Recipe for Cheesy Sloppy Joes at Life's Ambrosia

Since I started this blog, I have been experimenting with classics and this is the most recent dish I have re-discovered. Sloppy joes were a staple at my home while I was growing up. You all know what I am talking about. Ground hamburger cooked with onions, simmered in savory and slightly sweet tomato sauce all piled high on a crusty hamburger bun. They were messy and delicious and I loved them. When I made them for dinner this week, I decided to venture off the beaten path just a little bit. First off I used ground turkey, it is a lot better for you and trust me you and your family won’t be able to taste the difference. Second, I made my own sloppy joe sauce, which is easier than you might think. Third, I like the flavor of the whole wheat hamburger buns with this better than the traditional white bread. Finally, since I was saving some calories by using ground turkey and a whole wheat bun, I figured I could afford to throw some homemade cheese sauce on top and let me tell you it was probably one of the most delicious ideas I have had.

A basic cheese sauce recipe is a good thing to have in your repertoire. I have found a variety of uses for it including dips, topping for broccoli but especially sandwiches. For this recipe I used the same cheese sauce that I used for my Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches.

Serves 4

You will need:

1 (14.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
sprinkle of cayenne
2 teaspoons brown sugar
kosher salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 pound ground turkey
4 whole wheat hamburger buns
Cheese sauce (recipe follows)

In a bowl whisk together tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, worcestershire sauce, granulated garlic, ground mustard, cayenne, brown sugar and salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions and ground turkey until brown and cooked through. (Note: Unlike hamburger, there is no real need to strain the fat from the turkey, there will not be much at all.)
Add tomato mixture to the pan, stir to combined. Bring to a boil. Reduce to medium low and allow to cook 30-40 minutes, or until sauce reduces and is thick. (Note: Mixture should not be overly saucy. The meat will be coated in the sauce, but you won’t have sauce dripping from the spoon when you scoop up the mixture.)
Preheat your broiler. Toast the hamburger buns.
Scoop the turkey mixture onto the bun, top with cheese sauce. Serve.

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk (I used non-fat once too and that worked just fine)
1 tablespoon flour
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
kosher salt and pepper to taste

In a sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter. When butter has melted, whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute.
Slowly stir in milk.
Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar and cook until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I served these with my Homemade Potato Chips and Ryan and I devoured them. Just be sure to have a lot of napkins handy, they are called sloppy joes for a reason. Enjoy!

Like this recipe? Recommend it to your friends!

Responses to "Cheesy Sloppy Joes"

“
Nice photo! I’ve made those before for Andrew, didn’t add cheese though, nice thought
”

- Rita

“
When I was a kid, my mom used to make sloppy joes open-faced. She’d then put a slice of American cheese and a slice of tomato on top and then broil them until the cheese was all melty. I may have to try your version to recreate this childhood memory now that I don’t eat American cheese!
”

- Mindy

“
I grew up with sloppy joe’s too… I think everyone did LOL! Looks like you made some fun changes to make it a bit more up-to-date!
”

- RecipeGirl

“
I love how you made these a little healthier, but still used the cheese sauce! They look great!
”

- Esi

“
These look so yummy. I love sloppy joes and it’s great to see another version!
”

- sara

“
Ok we don’t have these over here (n such thing in the UK) and I was looking at what they were. Most looked foul, this one looks quite tasty however.
”

- Rmg12

“
Ooh, anything with cheese sauce just has to be delicious!
”

- Karly

“
That cheese sauce looks amazing! I always thought that sloppy joes were so much better with cheese!
”

- Carrie

“
I never liked sloppy joes growing up, but I think I would like this version a lot! I’ll admit, it’s the cheese sauce that won me over :)
”

- Theresa

“
Thanks Rita!
Mindy: A tomato slice would be super yummy on this!
RecipeGirl: Haha I think you are right, everyone grew up on these!
Thanks Esi!
Thank you Sara!
Thanks Rmg12!
I agree Karly!
Thank you Carrie!
Theresa: funny how cheese sauce can have that effect on you huh? ;-)
”

- Deseree

“
Adding a cheese sauce to sloppy joes sounds really good!
”

- Kevin

“
What a great idea! These sound like a much tastier version of regular sloppy joes.
”

- Kristen

“
We were just talking the other day about making sloppy joes. The turkeys around here are gross but I do have some great beef chuck that I can chop up. This will be fun, thanks.
”

- Carrie Oliver

“
I truly apprecaite how you made this a bit healtheir using turkey! I am goign to make these without the cheese to start as they look for tasty and juicy on their own.
”

- Savor

“
Thanks Kevin and Kristen!
You’re welcome Carrie!
Savor: They are pretty tasty and probably healthier without the cheese sauce, but there is just something about melty cheese that makes my mouth water ;-)
”

- Deseree

“
Great recipe! I substituted ground chicken for turkey though. I took the leftovers both sloppy joe and cheese sauce and made a casserole with it the next day. Delicious! Gave it to a friend who loved it as well.
”

- David