Chef Johns Hot Sloppy is a brilliant twist on a classic American favorite. This cheesy dip combines the nostalgic flavors of a Sloppy Joe into a delightful scoopable appetizer. The rich, tangy tomato sauce, lean ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese create a mouthwatering experience that is perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s game day or a casual party, this dish captures the essence of comfort food while being incredibly easy to prepare and serve. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dip!
Why You’ll Love This Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
This dip is not just your regular appetizer; it’s a crowd-pleaser! Here are a few reasons to adore it:
- Rich and cheesy flavor that everyone loves.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile—enjoy with chips, bread, or even as a topping for burgers.
- Can be made spicy with jalapeños, ideal for those who crave heat!
- Perfect for parties, game days, or family get-togethers.
- A unique alternative to traditional Sloppy Joes.
- It’s a filling dish that satisfies hunger effectively.
Ingredients for Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
Gather these items:
- 2 pounds Extra Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Green Bell Peppers, diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- To taste Chopped Jalapeños or Salsa
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- To taste Smoked Paprika & Cayenne Pepper
- Approx. 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
How to Make Chef Johns Hot Sloppy Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a heavy pot over medium-high heat, cook the beef, peppers, onion, garlic, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes until moisture evaporates and the meat browns.
- Step 2: Stir in the chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 45 minutes until thick and rich.
- Step 3: Preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the thickened mixture to an oven-proof skillet or baking dish.
- Step 4: Sprinkle half the cheese over the dip and gently stir it in. Top evenly with the remaining half of the cheese.
- Step 5: Broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch closely! Serve hot with sturdy chips.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
Keep these in mind:
- Use extra lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeños.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the mix.
- Make sure to preheat the broiler for even melting of the cheese.
- This method is an easy way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Best Ways to Serve Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy this delicious dip:
- Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for dipping.
- Use it as a filling in sliders or sandwiches for a twist.
- Pair with fresh veggies for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
To store leftovers, place the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Meal prep is easy with this dish, making it perfect for busy weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chef Johns Hot Sloppy
What’s the secret to perfect Chef Johns Hot Sloppy?
The key is to allow the mixture to cook long enough for the flavors to meld together. Using quality ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean beef also enhances the taste.
Can I make Chef Johns Hot Sloppy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and simply bake it before serving. This makes it a convenient option for parties.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chef Johns Hot Sloppy?
Be careful not to overcook the meat at the beginning and ensure you adjust the seasoning to your taste. Keeping an eye on the broiling process is crucial to prevent burning.
Variations of Chef Johns Hot Sloppy You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:
- Chef John’s Spicy Sloppy: Add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Chef John’s Zesty Sloppy: Incorporate lime juice and cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Chef John’s Fiery Sloppy: Use spicy sausage instead of beef for a kick.
- Chef John’s Flavorful Sloppy: Mix in various cheeses like pepper jack for extra flavor.

For more tips on making delicious dips, check out this guide on appetizers.
For a deeper understanding of flavor combinations, visit this resource on enhancing your dishes.
Finally, if you’re interested in more variations, check out this article for creative ideas.
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Chef Johns Hot Sloppy: 5 Must-Try Variations
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Chef John’s Hot Sloppy Joe Dip is a brilliant twist on an American classic that transforms the nostalgic comfort of a Sloppy Joe into a bubbling, cheesy dip.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Extra Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Green Bell Peppers, diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- To taste Chopped Jalapeños or Salsa
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- To taste Smoked Paprika & Cayenne Pepper
- Approx. 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
Instructions
- In a heavy pot over medium-high heat, cook the beef, peppers, onion, garlic, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes until moisture evaporates and meat browns.
- Stir in the chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 45 minutes until thick and rich.
- Preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the thickened mixture to an oven-proof skillet or baking dish.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over the dip and gently stir it in. Top evenly with the remaining half of the cheese.
- Broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch closely! Serve hot with sturdy chips.
Notes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chef John's Hot Sloppy Joe Dip