If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, bold flavors, and a satisfying crunch, then the Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe is your new go-to indulgence. Picture this: crispy golden fries piled high and smothered in a rich, saucy sloppy joe mixture, topped with melty cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for that perfect pop of color and freshness. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together the beloved sloppy joe sandwich in a fun, shareable fries format. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a weekend treat, these loaded fries deliver a delicious experience that’s hard to beat.

Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy melted cheddar, these essentials ensure every bite bursts with comfort and satisfaction.

  • 1 pound frozen or fresh French fries: Choose your favorite style for the perfect crispy base.
  • 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that brings savory richness to the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a hint of smoothness.
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked.
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced: Contributes a fresh, slightly crunchy texture.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with a subtle aromatic punch.
  • 3/4 cup ketchup: The tangy, sweet base of the sloppy joe sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a rich sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a light sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness and zest to the mix.
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Sprinkles of warmth and mild heat.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy layer of flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to awaken the palate.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to top off the fries with creamy goodness.
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh color and mild oniony flavor.

How to Make Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

Start by cooking your fries according to the package instructions or, if using fresh potatoes, bake them until golden and crisp. Crispy fries are key since they act as the sturdy yet crunchy foundation for all that delicious sloppy joe topping.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the fries are in the oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s evenly browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the flavors clean and balanced.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, around 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the familiar comfort flavor in every hearty bite.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Sauces

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds till fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then mix in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings: brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering thickens the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich, irresistible topping.

Step 6: Assemble and Melt Cheese

Once the fries are golden, spread them on a serving platter or an oven-safe dish. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the fries. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, then either serve immediately or pop the dish under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection.

How to Serve Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe

Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions are a wonderfully simple way to add a bright, peppery crunch that cuts through the rich, cheesy topping. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices for an extra zing that’s sure to wow your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Although the Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some tangy coleslaw brings refreshing balance. Light steamed vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup also complement the savory flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve these fries family-style on a large wooden board or a rustic cast-iron skillet. For a fun twist, use waffle fries or seasoned curly fries as the base to add extra texture and flair. Mini ramekins filled with dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo can make the experience interactive and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious sloppy joe fries, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef mixture and fries will keep well for up to 3 days, though the fries might lose some crispiness as it cools.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked sloppy joe mixture separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, freezing the loaded fries is not recommended as the fries tend to become soggy once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sloppy joe mixture on the stove over low heat until hot. For the fries, re-crisp them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes before combining. Assemble again with cheese and pop under the broiler briefly for a fresh cheesy finish.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in the Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe. It creates a lighter version while still soaking up all those delicious sauce flavors.

What type of fries work best?

Crispy shoestring, classic straight-cut, or waffle fries all make excellent choices. You can even elevate the dish by using seasoned fries for an extra burst of flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and adjust the seasoning to maintain that signature sloppy joe taste. Be sure to check your cheese for vegetarian status, too.

Can I prepare the sloppy joe topping in advance?

Definitely. The sloppy joe mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making dinnertime quick and easy. Just reheat gently before assembling the fries.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe offers a mild kick from chili powder and smoked paprika but isn’t overly spicy. Feel free to amp it up with extra chili or cayenne if you prefer a heat punch.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to comfort food with a twist, the Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe stands out as a wildly satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of crispy fries, tender meaty topping, and gooey cheese brings joy to the table every single time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, whether as a cozy family dinner or a fun finger food for friends. Trust me, once you’ve experienced these loaded fries, they’ll quickly become one of your favorites too.

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Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 22 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Best Sloppy Joe Fries Recipe combines crispy French fries with a flavorful, saucy ground beef sloppy joe topping, melted cheddar cheese, and optional green onion garnish. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal or game day snack, it’s easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients and offers a delicious twist on classic sloppy joes.


Ingredients

Scale

Fries

  • 1 pound frozen or fresh French fries

Sloppy Joe Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the Fries: Prepare the French fries according to the package directions or bake fresh fries in the oven until they are golden and crispy, then set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Mix the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become saucy.
  6. Assemble the Fries: Spread the hot cooked fries evenly on a serving platter or baking dish. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture generously over the fries.
  7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the fries and sloppy joe mixture.
  8. Melt the Cheese: Serve immediately, or place the assembled dish under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, then serve hot for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use seasoned fries or waffle fries for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Serve immediately to maintain the fries’ crispiness; letting them sit too long may cause sogginess.

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