Can I make this dip in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead, refrigerate, then reheat on the stovetop, add the cheese, and broil just before serving. This is a great way to reduce party-day stress.

My dip seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your dip hasn't reached your desired thickness, make another small batch of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water), add it to the hot mixture, and cook for another 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! Brown the meat mixture on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in 1 cup of cheese during the last 30 minutes, then top with remaining cheese just before serving.

What's the best way to serve this for a large group?

For large gatherings, consider making a double batch and keeping it warm in a slow cooker. Place a basket of toasted bread pieces nearby with small plates and napkins so guests can help themselves throughout the event.

Sloppy Joe Dip Recipe

Name: Sloppy Joe Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Beef Mixture:; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; 1 ½ cups ketchup; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; For Thickening:; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; For Topping and Serving:; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; toasted baguettes or bagel chips

This irresistible Sloppy Joe Dip transforms the classic sandwich filling into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Ready in just 25 minutes, this hearty dip combines savory ground beef with a perfectly balanced sweet-tangy sauce, all topped with melty cheese and served with crispy bread for dipping. It’s all the flavors you love about Sloppy Joes in a fun, shareable format!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Crowd-Pleaser: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, this dip will have everyone gathering around the skillet asking for your secret recipe.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single oven-safe skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
Nostalgic Comfort Food: All the familiar flavors of childhood Sloppy Joes, reimagined in a fun, dippable form that adults and kids alike will devour.
Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully for everything from casual weeknight family dinners to game day spreads or party appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing hearty texture and rich flavor. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth that complements the beef perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Just a tablespoon brings that signature slight sweetness that makes Sloppy Joes so addictive.
Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors or requiring fresh garlic prep.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Beef Broth: Creates a rich base for the sauce while adding meaty depth.
Ketchup: Contributes tanginess, sweetness, and that classic Sloppy Joe color and consistency.
Yellow Mustard: Adds a sharp, vinegary note that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
Cornstarch and Water: This slurry thickens the sauce to perfect dipping consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey, melty topping and adds sharp flavor contrast.
Toasted Baguettes or Bagel Chips: The perfect sturdy vessels for scooping up this hearty dip.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or try plant-based ground “beef” for a vegetarian adaptation.

Spice It Up

Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a kicked-up version that will wake up your taste buds.

Cheese Alternatives

Try pepper jack for a spicy twist, or a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretchy cheese pulls.

Extra Veggies

Finely diced bell peppers or grated carrots blend in beautifully and add nutrition without changing the classic flavor profile.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Dip

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to broil with the top rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, diced onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Add the beef broth, ketchup, and yellow mustard to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure all ingredients are well incorporated with the meat mixture.

Step 3: Thicken the Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the beef mixture and stir continuously as it cooks. You’ll notice the mixture beginning to thicken into the perfect dipping consistency within a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking it.

Step 5: Broil to Bubbly Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the dip. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to get golden spots.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven (remember the handle will be extremely hot!) and serve immediately while still warm and gooey. Surround the skillet with toasted baguette slices or sturdy bagel chips for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose the Right Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works beautifully for this recipe—it conducts heat evenly and goes seamlessly from stovetop to broiler.
Don’t Skip Draining: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, taking the time to drain it will prevent a greasy dip.
Watch the Broiler: Every broiler is different, so keep a close eye on your dip during those final minutes. The difference between perfectly melted cheese and burnt cheese can be just 30 seconds.
Let It Rest: Allow the dip to cool for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set slightly and makes for easier dipping.
Prep Dippers in Advance: Toast your baguette slices while the meat mixture is cooking to save time and ensure everything’s ready simultaneously.

How to Serve

Dipping Options

Beyond toasted baguettes and bagel chips, try serving with sturdy tortilla chips, pita wedges, pretzel buns cut into pieces, or even vegetable dippers like bell pepper slices and cucumber rounds for low-carb options.

Make It a Meal

Turn this dip into a complete dinner by serving it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. You can also serve small portions as a hearty starter before a lighter main course.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, transfer to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting after broiling the cheese. This keeps the dip at the perfect temperature throughout your event without requiring attention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any remaining dip to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making day-two dip sometimes even better than fresh!

Freezing

This dip freezes beautifully! Prepare through step 3 (before adding cheese), cool completely, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the consistency. For frozen dip, thaw completely, then reheat gently, add fresh cheese on top and broil just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dip in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead, refrigerate, then reheat on the stovetop, add the cheese, and broil just before serving. This is a great way to reduce party-day stress.
My dip seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your dip hasn’t reached your desired thickness, make another small batch of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water), add it to the hot mixture, and cook for another 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! Brown the meat mixture on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in 1 cup of cheese during the last 30 minutes, then top with remaining cheese just before serving.
What’s the best way to serve this for a large group?

For large gatherings, consider making a double batch and keeping it warm in a slow cooker. Place a basket of toasted bread pieces nearby with small plates and napkins so guests can help themselves throughout the event.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Dip recipe takes all the nostalgic, comfort-food appeal of classic Sloppy Joes and transforms it into a sociable, share-worthy dish that’s certain to disappear quickly at any gathering. The combination of seasoned beef, tangy-sweet sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting game day festivities, need a hearty appetizer for a potluck, or just want to treat your family to something fun for dinner, this dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort!