How To Make A Bacon & Cheese Sloppy Joe Burger
How To Make A Bacon & Cheese Sloppy Joe Burger is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $17.60 total, $4.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 8 slices Bacon (chopped into 1‑inch pieces)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 12 fl oz Beer (any lager or ale)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated tomato flavor)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 0.5 cup Ketchup (regular or reduced‑sugar)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (adds umami depth)
- to taste pinch Salt (kosher or table)
- to taste pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 4 pieces Brioche Buns (toasted before serving)
- 2 tbsp Bacon Grease (reserved from cooked bacon)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Chop the bacon into 1‑inch pieces, dice the onion, cube the cheddar, and measure all liquids and seasonings.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion in Bacon Grease
Heat the skillet over medium‑high, add 2 Tbsp bacon grease, then add the chopped onion. Cook 4‑5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and break it up just enough to create a few chunks. Cook 5‑6 minutes until no pink remains.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Fat
If a lot of liquid has collected, carefully drain it off, leaving about 2 Tbsp of fat in the pan.
Time: PT1M
Add Liquids and Flavorings
Stir in the beef broth, beer, ketchup, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Simmer and Reduce Sauce
Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a sloppy‑joe consistency—still saucy but not watery. This takes about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium
Melt Cheese and Add Bacon
Reduce heat to low, add the cheddar cubes and the chopped cooked bacon. Stir until the cheese is soft and just beginning to melt, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Toast the Buns
While the mixture is finishing, toast the brioche buns in a toaster or on a clean side of the skillet until golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Sandwiches
Place a generous scoop of the beef‑cheese‑bacon mixture on the bottom half of each bun, top with extra bacon if desired, then cap with the top bun.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Enjoy your Bacon Beer Cheesy Sloppy Joes while they’re still warm!
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains alcohol (cooked off), High protein, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beer (contains gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Beer: Beef broth (1.5 cups)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (reduced)
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard
- Instead of Ketchup: BBQ sauce
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (less)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Brioche Buns: Hamburger buns, Pretzel buns
- Instead of Bacon Grease: Olive oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Toaster or Grill (optional)
- Serving Plate (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑break the ground beef; keep some chunks for texture
- Reduce the sauce to the right consistency—neither too watery nor too dry
- Melt the cheese just until soft; avoid over‑cooking which makes it rubbery
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a stout or amber ale for a richer beer flavor
- Choose a sharp cheddar for the best bite and melt; pre‑cut cubes to speed up melting
- Toast the brioche buns butter‑side down for extra crunch and flavor
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery
Continue simmering uncovered, stirring frequently, until it reduces to a thick but spoon‑coatable consistency.
Beef becomes dry and crumbly
Avoid over‑cooking; remove from heat as soon as pink disappears and keep some larger chunks intact.
Cheese does not melt and stays hard
Lower the heat to low and stir continuously; cover the pan briefly to trap steam, which helps soften the cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze the cooked mixture in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly before serving
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat and add fresh cheese before serving
- Cook and crumble the bacon in advance; store in a sealed container
- Toast the buns just before assembly to retain crispness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the sloppy joe in American cuisine?
The sloppy joe originated in the early 20th‑century United States as a quick, budget‑friendly sandwich for workers and schoolchildren, evolving from a meat stew served on bread. It became a staple of American comfort food, especially popular at diners, baseball games, and family gatherings.
How did the addition of beer and bacon become a modern twist on the classic sloppy joe in American cooking?
Brewers and home cooks began experimenting with beer in the 1990s to add depth and a slight bitterness, while bacon contributed smoky richness. This combination reflects the American love for layered, indulgent flavors in casual dishes.
What regional variations of sloppy joe exist across the United States?
In the Midwest, some recipes add Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar; in the South, a touch of hot sauce or chili powder is common; in the Northeast, a sweeter ketchup‑heavy version is favored. The bacon‑beer version is a contemporary twist popular in craft‑beer‑loving regions.
What traditional side dishes are served with sloppy joe in classic American meals?
Sloppy joes are traditionally paired with coleslaw, potato chips, pickles, or a simple green salad. In many diners, they’re served alongside baked beans or corn on the cob.
During what occasions or celebrations is the sloppy joe traditionally served in American culture?
Sloppy joes are a go‑to for casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, potlucks, and school fundraisers because they’re easy to make in large batches and appeal to all ages.
What authentic ingredients define a classic sloppy joe, and what are acceptable modern substitutes?
A classic sloppy joe uses ground beef, onion, tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Modern substitutes include ground turkey or plant‑based meat, low‑sodium broth, and gluten‑free buns for dietary needs.
How does the bacon beer cheesy sloppy joe fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of taking a simple, hearty base (ground beef on a bun) and layering bold, indulgent flavors—smoky bacon, malty beer, and melty cheese—making it richer and more festive while staying easy to prepare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the bacon beer cheesy sloppy joe?
Common errors include over‑crumbling the beef, which removes the desired texture; letting the sauce reduce too far, resulting in a dry sandwich; and overheating the cheese, which can become rubbery instead of soft.
Why does this recipe use beer instead of extra broth for flavor, and could I substitute it?
Beer adds a subtle maltiness and slight bitterness that broth alone can’t provide, enhancing the savory depth. If you prefer, you can replace the beer with an additional 1½ cups of low‑sodium beef broth, though the flavor will be milder.
Can I make the bacon beer cheesy sloppy joe ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes—prepare the meat sauce up to the cheese‑melting step, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, add fresh cheese cubes, and assemble on toasted buns just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything specializes in bold, indulgent American comfort‑food recipes, often featuring wings, hearty sandwiches, and creative twists on classic dishes, presented with energetic commentary and straightforward instructions.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything focuses on high‑flavor, crowd‑pleasing dishes with a playful, unapologetic style, emphasizing generous portions, bold sauces, and practical shortcuts, whereas many other channels prioritize health‑focused or gourmet techniques.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
