Cheesy Sloppy Joe Boats are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. This dish features hollowed-out bread rolls filled with a rich, tangy ground beef mixture, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or parties, these handheld boats are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Creative – A unique way to enjoy the classic Sloppy Joe.
• Cheesy and Comforting – A generous layer of melted cheese adds extra richness.
• Great for Kids and Adults – A family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
• Quick and Easy – Made in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
• Perfect for Parties – Great for serving as an appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Green bell pepper, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or French bread
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Butter (optional, for toasting the bread)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the bread boats: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the rolls and hollow out the centers, leaving a sturdy shell. Lightly brush the insides with melted butter and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened.

4. Make the Sloppy Joe sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

5. Assemble the boats: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture into the toasted bread boats. Top each with shredded cheese.

6. Bake: Place the filled boats on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
• BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Turkey or Chicken Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the meat mixture separately for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What type of bread works best?

Sturdy rolls like hoagie rolls, French bread, or ciabatta hold up best to the filling.

Can I make this without an oven?

Yes! Simply toast the bread in a skillet and melt the cheese under a broiler or with a kitchen torch.

Can I use store-bought Sloppy Joe sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives better flavor and control over ingredients.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the bread before filling helps prevent sogginess.

Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely! Try crispy bacon, pickles, or caramelized onions.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s a fun, cheesy meal that kids will love.

What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Boats?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat rolls, and reduce the sugar in the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free rolls or serve the filling over baked potatoes or rice.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Boats are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, perfect for an easy dinner or party appetizer. With their crispy toasted bread, rich beef filling, and gooey melted cheese, these boats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try different variations and enjoy this satisfying meal today!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A fun twist on a classic sloppy joe, baked in a bread boat and topped with melted cheese.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 hoagie rolls
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brown beef and onion in a skillet, then drain fat.
• Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Hollow out rolls, fill with beef mixture, and top with cheese.
• Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Add bell peppers for extra texture.