Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup beer (I used Guinness)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, cubed
• 6 brioche buns

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until crispy but still flexible. Remove bacon from the pan, leaving about two tablespoons of fat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking until well browned with some larger chunks remaining (about the size of a raspberry).
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beer, and beef broth. Mix well and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes “sloppy” (about 5-6 minutes).
5. Add Cheese and Bacon: Just before serving, add cubed sharp cheddar and cooked bacon crumbles to the skillet. Stir slightly until cheese melts into the mixture.
6. Toast Buns and Serve: Toast brioche buns, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Top with additional bacon if desired.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 979 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 66g
• Saturated Fat: 31g
• Cholesterol: 283mg
• Sodium: 1288mg
• Potassium: 632mg
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 1375IU
• Vitamin C: 4.3mg
• Calcium: 352mg
• Iron: 4.1mg

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving:

• Freshly Made: Serve the Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes hot off the skillet for optimal flavor and texture.
• Garnish Options: Consider topping with additional crispy bacon crumbles, sliced pickles, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This mixture can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then gently warm in a skillet over low to medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes both freshly made and as convenient leftovers, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Variations :

1. Spicy Kick:
   • Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy twist. Serve with a side of sliced avocado to balance the heat.
2. Hawaiian-Inspired:
   • Incorporate sliced pineapple and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes into the sloppy joe mixture. This adds a sweet and tropical flavor that complements the savory bacon and cheese.
3. Smoked Flavor Upgrade:
   • Use smoked Gouda or smoked cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar. This enhances the smoky flavor profile of the dish.
4. Vegetarian Alternative:
   • Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
5. Caramelized Onion Addition:
   • Include caramelized onions in the mixture for added sweetness and depth of flavor. Cook the onions separately until golden brown and tender before adding them to the skillet with the other ingredients.
6. Tex-Mex Twist:
   • Replace the beer with a Mexican lager and add a blend of Mexican spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the sauce mixture. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
7. Italian-Inspired Variation:
   • Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Serve on toasted ciabatta rolls for an Italian-inspired twist.
8. Barbecue Flavor Fusion:
   • Substitute the ketchup with barbecue sauce and add a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. Serve on toasted onion rolls and top with crispy onion straws for added crunch.
9. Greek-Inspired Option:
   • Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped black olives to the sloppy joe mixture. Serve on warm pita bread with a side of tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.
10. Breakfast Sloppy Joes:
    • Make a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Serve on toasted English muffins for a hearty morning meal.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring each bite is a delicious and memorable experience.

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different type of beer in this recipe?

• Yes, you can use your favorite type of beer. Different beers will impart varying flavors, so choose one that complements the richness of the dish.

2. How can I adjust the spiciness level of the Sloppy Joes?

• To increase spiciness, add more chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or your preferred hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit spicy ingredients altogether.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

4. What can I serve with Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes?

• Serve with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad. These sides complement the hearty flavors of the Sloppy Joes.

5. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

• Toast the buns before spooning the Sloppy Joe mixture onto them. This helps to create a barrier and keeps the buns from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.

6. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

• Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Adjust cooking times as needed, as poultry may cook faster than beef.

7. What’s the best type of cheese to use?

• Sharp cheddar works well for its bold flavor that stands out against the other ingredients. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles.

8. How do I know when the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking?

• The mixture should thicken and become “sloppy,” with the sauce reducing until it can hold its shape when spooned onto the buns without spreading too much.

9. Can I freeze leftovers of Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes?

• Yes, you can freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

10. Can I make this recipe without alcohol? – If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer to maintain the depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

These frequently asked questions provide useful insights and tips to help you successfully prepare and enjoy Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

This Bacon, Beer and Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy sauces, and rich cheddar cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish promises to be a flavorful hit every time.