Name: Bbq Cowboy Sloppy Joes: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small white onion (diced); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 brioche buns; 4 slices pepper jack cheese (or 8 for extra cheesy); ⅓ cup crispy fried onions; 1 medium jalapeño (sliced); 8 slices bacon (cooked, reserve 1 tbsp bacon grease for cooking, or substitute olive oil)

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Introduction

BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes are a bold, hearty twist on a classic dish that I absolutely love. Loaded with saucy ground beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese, these sandwiches bring a burst of flavor that transforms any dinner into an exciting meal. The combination of BBQ sauce and jalapeños packs a punch that you won’t forget. Let’s dive into the deliciousness and make some BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience. Here are six reasons why you’ll adore these BBQ Sloppy Joes:

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Loaded with flavor, thanks to the smoky ingredients.
Family-friendly, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile—great for game day or casual dinners.
Can be customized with your favorite toppings for Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes.
A true American comfort food that satisfies cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Gather these items for the most delicious Cowboy Sloppy Joes:

1 lb ground beef
1 small white onion (diced)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 brioche buns
4 slices pepper jack cheese (or 8 for extra cheesy)
⅓ cup crispy fried onions
1 medium jalapeño (sliced)
8 slices bacon (cooked, reserve 1 tbsp bacon grease for cooking, or substitute olive oil)

Step-by-Step Method for BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bacon grease or oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a low simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: To assemble, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each brioche bun. Top with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slices, crispy onions, and bacon.
Step 6: Add the top bun and serve warm.

Variations & Add-Ins for BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

There are so many fun twists you can add to these Barbecue Cowboy Sloppy Joes. Here are a few ideas:

For a healthier option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative, keeping it suitable for a none diet.
Try adding some black beans or corn for a Tex-Mex flair.
Incorporate different types of cheese, like cheddar, for a unique flavor.
For a smoky touch, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the mix.

Pro Tips

Keep these in mind for the best results:

This recipe is great for busy nights and family meals.
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
For extra cheesiness, use more pepper jack cheese.
Remember to cook using a skillet for that perfect sear and flavor.

FAQ About BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

What’s the best bun for BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes?

The best bun for BBQ Sloppy Joes is a soft and sturdy brioche bun. It holds up well against the saucy filling while providing a slightly sweet contrast to the smoky flavors. You can also try pretzel buns for a delightful twist!

Can I freeze BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes?

Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Sloppy Joes. Simply store the cooked mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.

How do I make it spicier?

To spice up your BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes, add more sliced jalapeños or include diced serrano peppers. You can also mix in some hot sauce or use spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick!

How to Store, Reheat, and Meal-Prep

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. This Total Time of 30 minutes makes it easy to meal-prep these sandwiches for the week!

Serving Ideas for BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Pair your delicious BBQ Beef Sandwiches with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the flavors and create a well-rounded meal!

Bbq Cowboy Sloppy Joes: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor - Bbq Cowboy Sloppy Joes - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out last recipes, Cranberry Orange Pancakes, and Sweet Potato Biscuits. You can also learn about the Korean BBQ Meatballs for a different flavor experience.

For more information on BBQ sauces, you can visit Serious Eats for a comprehensive guide.

Bbq Cowboy Sloppy Joes: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A bold, hearty twist on a classic, these BBQ cowboy sloppy joes are loaded with saucy ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and plenty of flavor.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bacon grease or oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a low simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, until slightly thickened.
To assemble, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each brioche bun. Top with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slices, crispy onions, and bacon.
Add the top bun and serve warm.