Description
A savory, baked twist on classic sloppy joes, featuring seasoned ground beef in rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and served in toasted buns for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean ratio)
15 oz rich tomato sauce (canned, high-quality)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (diced)
2 cups melted cheddar cheese (sharp)
6 toasted buns (brioche or sesame)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure anchovy-free if needed)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F
Brown ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains
Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes
Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; cook for 3 minutes
Add tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce, simmer to thicken slightly
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
Top generously with melted cheddar cheese
Place toasted buns on top of the cheese layer
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and buns are crispy
Garnish with fresh green onions before serving
Notes
Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish for even baking
Toaster buns stay crisp under the broiler if oven space allows
Ensure tomato sauce contains no alcohol
For halal diets, confirm Worcestershire sauce is anchovy-free
Prep the beef mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg