Bacon Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes

Bacon Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes bring together everything I crave on game day. These are ultra-savory sandwiches loaded with crisp bacon tender ground beef melty cheddar and a rich beer-infused sauce that piles fabulously onto pillowy brioche buns. Perfect for sharing at lively gatherings or cozy nights in

Every time I make these for friends they fly off the table before halftime. The beer and cheese combination is such a crowd magnet we talk about it long after the plates are wiped clean

Ingredients

• Ground beef: For a rich meaty filling Select 85 percent lean for ideal texture and flavor
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch Look for thick cut bacon with even marbling
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth Choose a firm onion with bright papery skin
• Ketchup: Blends tanginess and sweetness Opt for classic tomato ketchup with no added flavorings
• Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato notes Use double concentrated for boldness
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers savory umami Use high quality for best results
• Dijon mustard: Sharp and tangy often milder than classic yellow Look for one with clean ingredient lists
• Beer: A hearty dark beer such as Guinness boosts richness If you prefer less bitterness use a brown ale
• Beef broth: Adds depth without overpowering Check sodium content and go for low sodium if desired
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly with pronounced flavor Choose block cheddar for better melting over preshredded
• Brioche buns: Soft pillowy base Choose buns with a shiny top and a fresh feel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon:

In a large skillet cook chopped bacon over medium high heat until crispy but not fully stiff about three minutes Watch closely to avoid burning

Drain and save fat:

Remove the bacon and let excess grease drip off Reserve only two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for rich flavor without making the dish greasy

Sauté onions:

Add chopped yellow onion to the hot pan Cook for four to five minutes stirring often until translucent and softened The onion will soak up that bacon flavor building the base

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium Break up the meat yet keep some larger crumbles about the size of grapes Cook until deeply browned for about five to six minutes The mixture should smell savory and look caramelized

Mix the sauce:

Stir in ketchup tomato paste Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard beer and beef broth Mix thoroughly to combine everything evenly This will start to smell amazing as it simmers

Reduce the sauce:

Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and the mixture looks deliciously sloppy about five to six minutes When you scoop some up it should hold its shape without flooding over

Finish with cheese and bacon:

Drop in cubed cheddar cheese and the reserved cooked bacon One minute before serving stir gently so cheese melts into glossy puddles Do not overstir for best cheese pockets

Assemble and serve:

Toast brioche buns until golden and pile on generous spoonfuls of hot beef beery bacon and cheese mixture Top with extra bacon if desired Serve warm and enjoy immediately

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My favorite part is catching those golden puddles of cheddar in every bite Sometimes I let my kids sprinkle extra cheese in at the last moment just to watch it melt

Storage Tips

Refrigerate the sloppy joe mixture separately from the buns Store in an airtight container for up to three days

To reheat use a covered skillet over low heat adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the mixture

Freeze the filling in a freezer bag up to two months Let thaw before gently reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant based alternative to lighten it up

Use a mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack if sharp cheddar is too strong

Sub in any favorite beer or use extra broth if avoiding alcohol The flavor will still be rich

Serving Suggestions

These are incredible with a quick coleslaw side or tangy pickles

Try serving on pretzel rolls for extra texture or over baked potatoes for a hearty twist

For spice lovers add chopped pickled jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving

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Cultural Context

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food with roots in home kitchens all the way back to the Great Depression Era People loved the ability to stretch ground meat in creative ways This bacon beer and cheese version is a nod to both hearty Midwestern bar food and tailgate traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beer works best in this dish?

A rich stout like Guinness adds depth and a subtle malty flavor, but any dark beer works well.

→ Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives can be used instead of beef for variety.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

→ What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers a bold taste, but gouda or pepper jack are also great choices.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

The filling can be made up to two days ahead and reheated gently before serving on buns.

→ Should the brioche buns be toasted?

Yes, toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy with the filling.