Sloppy Joe Rolls

Crispy, savory, and packed with saucy goodness — your childhood favorite just got an upgrade!

Rating: ⭐ 4.50 from 14 votes
Author: Wendie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: ~298 per roll

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Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• ½ cup ketchup

• 3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark works)

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp yellow mustard (prepared mustard)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a kick)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend work great)

For the Rolls:

• 6–8 unsliced sandwich rolls or sub rolls (firm crust preferred)

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Instructions

1. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Tomato sauce

• Ketchup

• Brown sugar

• Worcestershire sauce

• Mustard

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Crushed red pepper (if using)

Whisk until smooth. Set aside — this will be your flavor-packed sauce base.

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2. Prepare the Meat Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add:

  • Ground beef (or turkey)

  • Diced onions

  • Diced red and green bell peppers

• Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes.

• Drain excess fat, then return the pan to heat.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the meat evenly.

• Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

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3. Prep the Rolls

• While the sauce is simmering, take your unsliced rolls and cut off the tops (like a bread bowl).

• Using a small knife or your fingers, hollow out the inside, removing some of the bread to create a cavity.
  Tip: Don’t remove too much or the filling may leak through. Leave a sturdy base.

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4. Add Optional Cheese (Surprise Center!)

• If using cheese, place 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese at the bottom of each hollowed roll.
  This will melt into a gooey, cheesy pocket beneath the meat!

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5. Assemble the Sloppy Joe Rolls

• Spoon the hot meat mixture into the rolls, gently pressing it in to fill all gaps.

• Top with extra cheese, if desired, for a melty topping.

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6. Bake Until Crispy

• Arrange the filled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy on the outside.

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7. Serve Hot!

• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

• These are best enjoyed warm with the cheese melted and the outside toasty.

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‍ Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choices: Use cheddar for a sharp kick, mozzarella for a stringy melt, or pepper jack for spice.

• Meat Variations: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work.

• Make-Ahead: The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just reheat before assembling.

• Freezer Friendly: Assemble the rolls, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen for 25–30 mins at 350°F.

• Mini Version: Use dinner rolls for a bite-sized party appetizer version.

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Suggested Pairings

• Side Dishes:

  • Crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges

  • Coleslaw or a tangy pickle slaw

  • A simple garden salad or cucumber-tomato salad

• Sauces for Dipping (Optional):

  • Ranch

  • Spicy mayo

  • Garlic aioli

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Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Wrap in foil and bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave uncovered for 1–2 minutes (note: microwave may soften the bread).

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️ Want It Spicier?

• Add:

  • Extra crushed red pepper

  • A splash of hot sauce

  • Diced jalapeños to the meat mixture

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Nutrition (Per Roll, approx.)

• Calories: 298

• Protein: 18g

• Carbs: 22g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 9g

(Based on standard ingredients and portion sizes — varies by roll size and cheese quantity.)

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❤️ Final Thoughts

These Sloppy Joe Rolls are a nostalgic, handheld twist on a classic comfort food — perfect for game days, casual dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. The hollowed-out roll makes them neat, crispy, and extra satisfying.