If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and just a little messy in the best way — these Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes are it.
They’re loaded with savory ground beef, chili spices, melty cheese, and all that saucy goodness packed into a soft toasted bun.
This recipe takes the comfort of chili and the fun of a sloppy joe and brings them together for a crave-worthy meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one started on a cold night when I didn’t want to decide between chili and sloppy joes — so I made both in one sandwich. It quickly became a favorite comfort food recipe I go back to all the time.
- It’s fast and easy — dinner in about 30 minutes
- It has all the cozy chili flavors in sandwich form
- You only need one pan
- You can make it mild or spicy
- The melty cheese on top takes it to the next level
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños
Pro Tips
- Toast the buns for extra texture and flavor
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the mixture from getting greasy
- Add more chili powder or jalapeños if you like heat
- Let the mixture simmer to deepen the flavor
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Small bowl for toppings
- Serving plate
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken
- Use brioche buns for a richer taste
- Add beans for more of a chili feel
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat
- Use gluten-free buns to make it gluten-friendly
Make Ahead Tips
You can cook the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onion in Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ diced yellow onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and slightly golden.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 4: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in ¾ cup crushed tomatoes and ½ cup beef broth. Stir well and let simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Stir in Cheddar Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
Slice and lightly toast 4 hamburger buns in a clean skillet or toaster until golden and crisp on the inside.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cheesy chili beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with sliced green onions or jalapeños if desired. Serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Toast fresh buns before serving again.
How Many Servings & Time
Makes 4 sloppy joes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Macros Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 6g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cooking the tomato paste and spices together “blooms” the flavors, making the dish taste deeper and richer. The beef broth adds moisture, and melting cheese into the sauce gives it that creamy, thick texture that clings perfectly to the bun.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining beef if needed – Too much grease can make the mixture heavy
- Using pre-shredded cheese – It doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated
- Skipping the toasting – untoasted buns can get soggy fast
- Not simmering long enough – The sauce needs time to thicken and develop flavor
What to Serve With
- Crispy tater tots or fries
- Coleslaw or pickle chips
- Side salad
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
FAQ
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or extra chili powder.
Can I freeze the meat mixture?
Definitely. Let it cool, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely, just season it well to make up for the leaner flavor.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, the filling reheats really well. Just toast fresh buns when ready to eat.