There’s nothing quite like Sloppy Joe Fries when you’re craving something indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavor. This dish takes two classics—crispy French fries and saucy, tangy Sloppy Joe meat—and combines them into a hearty, mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even a weekend treat.
Think of it as a fun twist on traditional Sloppy Joes but without the bun! Instead, you get golden, crispy fries loaded with rich, saucy beef and melted cheese, finished with your favorite toppings. It’s messy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious—everything comfort food should be!
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the best Sloppy Joe Fries, plus some handy tips, variations, and storage instructions so you can enjoy this dish any time you want.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Fries
This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and easy to customize. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sloppy Joe Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- ½ cup diced onion (adds flavor and depth)
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper (optional but traditional for Sloppy Joes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for an extra punch of flavor)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (forms the base of the sauce)
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances the acidity)
- 1 tsp mustard (gives it a tangy kick)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Fries & Toppings:
- 1 lb frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend for extra gooeyness)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for freshness)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, but adds creaminess)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
How to Make Sloppy Joe Fries
This recipe is broken down into three simple steps: cooking the fries, making the Sloppy Joe meat, and assembling everything together.
Step 1: Cook the Fries
- Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the package instructions for the frozen fries.
- Spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown (typically 20-25 minutes at 425°F).
- If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Pro Tip: Want extra crispy fries? Bake them for 5 extra minutes or toss them in a tablespoon of cornstarch before baking!
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Pro Tip: For extra rich flavor, let the Sloppy Joe mixture simmer for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joe Fries
- Arrange the hot, crispy fries on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
- Spoon the warm Sloppy Joe mixture over the fries.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. If you want the cheese melted more, place the assembled fries under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy every cheesy, saucy, crispy bite!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Fries
- Crispier Fries: For extra crunch, double-bake your fries or use an air fryer instead of the oven.
- No Soggy Fries: Let the fries cool slightly before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture to prevent them from getting too soft.
- Make It Mess-Free: Serve on a rimmed baking sheet or individual plates for easy cleanup.
- Want More Flavor? Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne, or hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Healthier Option: Use baked sweet potato fries or roasted cauliflower instead of French fries.
- Meat Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner alternative.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mix.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or nacho cheese sauce for extra gooeyness.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce to add a smoky, sweet flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble the fries fresh.
What’s the best way to reheat Sloppy Joe Fries?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cut potatoes into thin strips, toss them with oil and salt, and bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftover Sloppy Joe meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Fries are best fresh, but if needed, reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you love Sloppy Joe Fries, here are some other delicious recipes to try:
Final Thoughts
These Sloppy Joe Fries are the ultimate comfort food indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or a game-day snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab some fries, pile on that saucy, cheesy goodness, and enjoy every bite! Let me know in the comments how you like yours.