If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgent dish that’s loaded with flavor, look no further than Sloppy Joe Fries! This fun, easy recipe takes the classic comfort food of sloppy joes and layers it over crispy French fries, all smothered in melted Velveeta cheese sauce. It’s a game-changing meal (or snack!) that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever you want something deliciously messy!
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
- 1 bag frozen French fries (around 28 oz, but any size works)
- You can choose any type of frozen fries—crinkle cut, straight, curly, or even waffle fries depending on what you like. If you’re looking for extra crispy fries, try air frying them!
For the Sloppy Joe Meat:
- 2 lbs ground hamburger meat (lean ground beef works best, but you can use any ground meat)
- This gives the sloppy joe mixture its meaty base. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead.
- 2 cans Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (14 oz each)
- This sauce is the shortcut to an easy and delicious sloppy joe filling. You can use Original, Bold, or Tangy flavor, depending on your taste. If you like a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 Velveeta cheese pouches (10 oz each)
- The Velveeta cheese melts perfectly into a smooth, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the fries and sloppy joe mix. You can also use Velveeta block cheese (about 12 oz) if you prefer to melt it yourself. If you want to make the cheese sauce a little thinner, add a splash of milk or cream.
For Topping:
- Sour cream (optional, but adds a tangy finish)
- A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the spicy sloppy joe mix, but you can also use ranch dressing or even guacamole for extra flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Fries
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or follow the package instructions for your frozen fries).
- Cook the fries on a baking sheet as directed on the bag. Depending on your fries, this usually takes about 25-35 minutes in the oven, flipping halfway through to ensure they’re crispy on all sides. If you’re air frying, cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Pro Tip: For extra crispy fries, bake them in a single layer and leave some space between them. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so they don’t steam.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat
- While the fries are baking, brown the hamburger meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through.
- Drain the fat if necessary, then add the Manwich sloppy joe sauce to the pan. Stir to combine, and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until heated through. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a spicier version of the sloppy joe sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt the Velveeta cheese. If you’re using the cheese blocks, cut them into small cubes to make melting easier.
- Stir occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to thin it out to a pourable consistency.
- Pro Tip: Don’t let the cheese sauce sit on the heat too long or it can become too thick. If needed, stir in more milk to get the right creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joe Fries
- Remove the fries from the oven once they’re crispy and golden brown. Place them on a large, flat platter or baking dish.
- Pour the melted Velveeta cheese sauce over the fries, spreading it evenly so all the fries are covered in gooey cheese.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously over the cheesy fries. Be sure to cover the fries evenly with the meaty, saucy goodness.
- Pro Tip: If you want to make it more like a casserole, you can bake the whole thing at 350°F for an additional 10 minutes to let all the layers melt together. But if you’re in a rush, serving it as-is works just as well!
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F to let everything come together and the cheese fully bubble up.
- Top with sour cream or your desired toppings, and serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh!
Optional Toppings & Variations:
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the sloppy joe sauce and cheese.
- Chopped onions: For an extra savory bite, sprinkle chopped green onions or red onions on top.
- Jalapeños: For some heat, slice up a few jalapeños and sprinkle them on top.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella: Add more cheese to melt on top for an even cheesier version.
- Chopped pickles: For a tangy crunch that complements the savory meat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Fries:
- Make it a full meal: These Sloppy Joe Fries can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main meal. If you want to turn it into a full dinner, pair it with a side salad or coleslaw for a refreshing balance.
- Be creative with the fries: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you could swap regular fries with sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory sloppy joe mix.
- Prep ahead: You can make the sloppy joe meat and cheese sauce in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, just heat the mixture and pour it over freshly baked fries.
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Fries:
- It’s a comfort food classic, but with a fun twist. The combination of cheesy fries and savory sloppy joe mix is mouthwatering and satisfying.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or even a movie night.
- You can make it your own—add or subtract toppings as you please! It’s super customizable to suit everyone’s tastes.
These Sloppy Joe Fries are definitely a fun, filling, and absolutely delicious way to enjoy two of your favorite comfort foods in one! Whether you’re making it for dinner or a party snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!