Cheesy Sloppy Joe Dip

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Dip: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

If you love the bold, savory flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe, then you’ll be obsessed with this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Dip! It’s a warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious appetizer that transforms everything great about the original into a cheesy, scoopable dip. Perfect for game days, parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish guarantees to impress.

What makes this dip so special? First, it packs in seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and bell pepper, all simmered in a rich, tangy Sloppy Joe sauce. But the real star of the show? The generous blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses, which melt beautifully into the meaty base. As a result, every bite delivers comforting, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or crackers.

Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to make. In just a few simple steps, you can have a hot, bubbly dip ready to serve. Plus, preparing the beef mixture ahead of time makes this dish even more convenient. Just add the cheese and bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or simply craving a fun new appetizer, this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Dip deserves a spot on your table. The combination of savory beef, tangy sauce, and melty cheese creates an unforgettable bite, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab a skillet, whip up this easy, cheesy dip, and watch it disappear in no time!

Ready to dig in? Let’s get started! 🔥🧀

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
2-3 tbsp fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the aromatics: First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir frequently while cooking for about 3 minutes, or until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can become bitter quickly.

2. Brown the beef: Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. At this point, stir occasionally and continue cooking for 6–7 minutes, or until it is fully browned and no longer pink. If necessary, drain any excess grease to keep the dip from becoming too oily.

3. Build the Sloppy Joe flavor: Now, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. After mixing everything well, let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together while thickening the sauce. Otherwise, the dip may not have the rich depth of flavor that makes it so delicious.

4. Add the creamy elements: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Then, stir in the sour cream slowly, allowing it to blend smoothly into the mixture. As a result, the dip will have a creamy texture that balances the tangy and savory flavors perfectly.

5. Assemble the dip: At this stage, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly. After that, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Be sure to cover the surface completely, since this creates a gooey, melty finish that makes every bite irresistible.

6. Bake until bubbly: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Once the oven is ready, place the dish inside and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to turn golden brown, creating a slightly crispy layer of cheese on top.

7. Garnish and serve: Finally, remove the dip from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor with a mild onion taste. For the best experience, serve the dip hot with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or crackers.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese for the Best Melt – While it may seem convenient to use pre-shredded cheese, it actually contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Instead, for the creamiest, gooey texture, always grate cheddar and mozzarella fresh from the block. This small step makes a big difference in how the dip turns out.
• Let the Flavors Simmer for Rich Depth – After adding the sauce ingredients, be sure to let the mixture simmer for at least 5–7 minutes. This extra time allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in a deeper, more authentic Sloppy Joe taste. Without proper simmering, the sauce might taste flat instead of rich and bold.
• Serve Hot for Maximum Enjoyment – Since this dip tastes best straight from the oven, serve it while the cheese is still bubbly and melty, and to keep it warm for an extended time, place the dish on a warming tray or use a slow cooker on the low heat setting; however, for food safety, avoid keeping the dip warm for more than 2 hours at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.