This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.

You have to try this delicious twist to classic sloppy joes – Cheez Whiz Sloppy Joes taste like a cheesy version of a cheesesteak! The “secret ingredient” is of course a jar of Cheez Whiz. My family LOVES sloppy joes and this unique version has already made it to the top of the list of favs.

A sloppy Joe sandwich on a white plate with cheese oozing out of it.

Sloppy Joe Recipe With Cheez Whiz

I make sloppy joes at least once per week at my house. My kids all love them, they’re usually very simple one pot recipes, and there are so many different variations of classic sloppy joes which makes them fun to make and try.

This cheez whiz version, surprisingly, has already become an instant family favorite. They are so cheesy, creamy, and taste like a really cheesy Philly cheesesteak with ground beef, bell pepper, onion, in a beef broth seasoned cheez whiz base.

The best way to serve them is on toasted buns of your choice. And if you ask my family, another non-negotiable when eating sloppy joes, is to put crunchy Lay’s potato chips inside of them. Trust me, try it, and you’ll be hooked 😁

Picture of the skillet pan of sloppy Joe mixture in it and a bun and chips around it.

Ingredients Needed

Lean Ground Beef : I use 93/7 ground beef, but feel free to use whatever you prefer – you will end up draining the excess grease from the meat once it’s cooked, so it probably does not matter much what you use. A higher fat content ground beef will give the sloppy joe mixture a greasier texture (even after draining), which is why I prefer using 93/7 or leaner ground beef.
Sweet Onion or Yellow Onion : These are the two best onions to use, you can use a small onion or large onion, depending on how much onion bits you prefer.
Green Bell Pepper
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
Cheez Whiz : This is jarred process cheese, similar to velveeta, that has a unique cheesy flavor to it. People always question this ingredient but it’s actually so surprising how delicious it makes these sloppy joes. You just have to try it!
Beef Broth : I use full salt beef broth but feel free to use 50% reduced-sodium beef broth if you’re watching the salt content. I use full salt broth + 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in the ground beef, and my family loves it just like that (not too salty).
Cornstarch : This gets mixed with the broth and helps the sloppy Joe mixture thicken and come together.
Garlic Powder
Hamburger Buns : Use whatever bun you prefer! Regular hamburger buns, sesame buns, onion buns, hawaiian buns, brioche buns, etc.

How To Make Sloppy Joes With Cheez Whiz

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, add the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain the excess grease from the pan.

In a small cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch. Add it into the skillet pan along with the cheez whiz and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium (turn lower as needed), and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, while stirring frequently, until very thickened and extra liquid is absorbed.

Spoon the meat mixture into buns and enjoy!

How To Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Meat

Any leftovers should be stored inside an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave for 30-45 seconds at a time until thoroughly warmed. You may want to cover it with a paper to prevent splattering in the microwave.

You can also freeze the cheez whiz sloppy joe mixture by placing it into a freeze-safe Ziploc bag and freezing for up to 3-4 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then thoroughly heat it in a skillet pan on the stove top or on low heat in the slow cooker. You may want to add just a dash of water to it when reheating, to help moisten everything back up and bring it together.

Variations & Substitution Ideas

Ground Beef : Use ground chicken or ground turkey. Sometimes when a sloppy joe recipe calls for 2 pounds of ground meat, I like to use 1 pound ground beef + 1 pound ground turkey. Although, I do think all ground beef tastes best in this particular sloppy joe recipe.
Beef Broth : I use full salt beef broth + the 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt called for in the recipe. If you are wanting to control the sodium more, or need less sodium, then use reduced-sodium beef broth.
Onion : Any onion will work such as yellow onion, white onion, or even a red onion if that’s what you prefer. I love using the sweet onion.

My #1 Tip For This Recipe

The simmer time might seem excessive, but trust me, you need to do it! Once you add the cheez whiz the sloppy Joe mixture will look like it’s too wet or soupy, but follow the directions and allow it to simmer for at least 20-25 minutes (I do a little longer) until it’s thickened and the cheez whiz has all absorbed into the meat. This also allows the flavors to blend and it will taste amazing. Promise!

A sloppy Joe ready to eat on a white plate

Recipe FAQ’s

Should I Toast The Buns Before Adding The Sloppy Joe Meat Mixture?

Whether or not you toast the buns is all down to personal preference. I always recommend toasting the buns for sloppy joes, because it crisps up the buns which allows for them to hold up to the meat mixture better without getting soggy. It adds a nice golden color and slight crunch to sloppy joes. You can either spread butter on each bun and toast them on a hot skillet, or you can spread butter on each bun, place them onto a baking sheet, and broil for a few minutes in the oven.

How Can I Add Some Heat To The Dish?

This is a very mild, cheesy flavored dish. If you want to spice it up a bit then try adding some canned or fresh jalapeños as a garnish on the sloppy joes or inside the meat mixture. You can also serve the sloppy joes with some crunchy jalapeño chips inside of them. Potato chips inside sloppy joes is one of my family’s favorite ways to eat them. Or try adding dashes of hot sauce into the meat mixture.

What Is The Best Kind Of Bun To Use For Sloppy Joes?

Potato buns or brioche buns tend to hold up well. But you can really use whatever kind you prefer, if you are using regular hamburger buns then I definitely recommend toasting them so they don’t get too soft while eating.

Cheez Whiz Sloppy Joes