Description
This Best Sloppy Joe Fries recipe combines crispy baked French fries topped with a savory and slightly sweet sloppy joe beef mixture, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh garnishes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect as a hearty main dish or a fun appetizer, this dish brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen French fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley or pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Fries: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy, ensuring the perfect base for the toppings.
- Cook Beef: While the fries bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, browning it evenly while breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, building the flavor foundation for the sloppy joe sauce.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and optional chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sloppy joe sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the fries are done, transfer them to a large serving plate or an oven-safe dish. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the fries, ensuring each fry gets topped.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese liberally over the top. Return the dish to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and optional garnishes such as chopped parsley or pickled jalapeños over the dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fries while they’re hot and melty.
Notes
- Add a spicy kick by including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the sloppy joe mixture.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- This dish works perfectly as a fun appetizer for gatherings or a fulfilling main course.
