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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe Easy Dinner with Cheddar and Veggies

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These homemade sloppy joes are packed with savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese for a comforting, nostalgic meal. Quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a balanced, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced (or green/orange for color)
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 burger buns (whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup fresh lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop onion, bell pepper, grate carrot, and mince garlic. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until veggies soften and onions are translucent.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Add smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and veggies are soft. Add a splash of water if mixture looks dry.
  6. Optional: Toast buns on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture. Stir gently until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
  8. Spoon filling onto each bun. Top with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato if desired.
  9. Serve hot with napkins handy.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian option: substitute lentils or plant-based crumbles. Gluten-free buns or serve over baked potatoes for GF. Toasting buns adds crunch and prevents sogginess. Sauce can be made ahead and flavors deepen overnight. Add extra veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, homemade, cheddar, veggies, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef, kid friendly, weeknight meal, sandwich

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