Dive into a world of cheesy indulgence with Hot Sloppy Joe Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this savory dip is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. With a hearty blend of ground beef, peppers, onions, and spices, all smothered in melted Cheddar cheese, this recipe is comfort food at its finest. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible dip and discover variations to suit every taste bud!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced green bell peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Stir in the brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, to taste, until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
- Serve the Hot Sloppy Joe Dip hot, straight from the oven, with your favorite dipping accompaniments such as tortilla chips, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Spicy Twist: For an extra kick of heat, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping the dip, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave until hot, then proceed with the baking step as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover dip? A: While you can freeze leftover Sloppy Joe Dip, keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the dip in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this dip? A: Hot Sloppy Joe Dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, including tortilla chips, toasted bread slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, and bell pepper strips.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level of this dip? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add additional spices or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: To make Hot Sloppy Joe Dip keto-friendly, omit the brown sugar and use a sugar-free sweetener or a small amount of liquid stevia for sweetness. Replace the ketchup with a low-carb ketchup alternative or make your own using tomato paste and natural sweeteners. Serve the dip with keto-friendly dippers such as pork rinds, cucumber slices, or celery sticks.
Low-Carb Version: Follow the same substitutions as the keto version, and be mindful of the portion size to keep the carb count low. You can also use a reduced-sugar ketchup and add extra low-carb vegetables such as diced tomatoes or bell peppers to bulk up the dip without adding too many carbs.
In conclusion, Hot Sloppy Joe Dip is a delicious and satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and savory flavors, gooey melted cheese, and hearty texture, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a comforting snack, Hot Sloppy Joe Dip is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible goodness of this hot and cheesy dip!
