- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/3 cup water
For the Melts
- 6 English muffins, split in half
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
You can use all cheddar if you prefer.
I just love the combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack because the cheddar brings flavor while the Jack gets beautifully melty.
What You'll Need
Nothing complicated here!
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Spatula
- Oven or broiler
If you have parchment paper or foil, you can line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is very forgiving, so don't be afraid to make it your own.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the beef if you'd prefer.
Because turkey is generally leaner, you may want to add a little olive oil while browning if the skillet seems dry.
Change the Cheese
Try:
- Sharp cheddar
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
Pepper Jack is especially good if you want a little heat.
Add Vegetables
Finely diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or extra onion can be cooked with the beef.
Make Them Spicy
Add:
- Diced jalapeño
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Pepper Jack cheese
Add Bacon
Cooked crumbled bacon scattered over the Sloppy Joe mixture before adding the cheese?
Yes.
Absolutely yes.
How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe English Muffin Melts
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
You just want it fragrant.
Don't let it burn.
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and water.
Mix everything together until the beef is completely coated.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 8–10 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The sauce should thicken until it's rich and spoonable.
You don't want it watery because excess liquid can make the English muffins soggy.
Step 5: Toast the English Muffins
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Split the English muffins and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Spread each half lightly with softened butter.
Bake for about 5–7 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden.
Step 6: Add the Sloppy Joe Filling
Spoon the warm beef mixture onto each toasted English muffin half.
Don't be afraid to pile it on!
Just leave a little room around the edges so the filling doesn't slide everywhere.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack over the beef.
More cheese is never a bad idea here.
Step 8: Broil Until Golden
Switch the oven to broil.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 1–3 minutes, watching closely.
The cheese should melt and become bubbly with a few golden-brown spots.
Do not walk away during this step.
Broilers can turn “perfectly golden” into “burned” surprisingly fast.
Step 9: Serve
Remove the melts from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
Then serve them while the cheese is still wonderfully gooey.
Look at those golden edges!
What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Melts
These can absolutely stand alone as a quick meal, but they're even better with a few simple sides.
Try serving them with:
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Tater tots
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Side salad
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh fruit
- Crispy roasted vegetables
For game day, cut the English muffin halves into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers.
They disappear quickly!!
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe English Muffin Melts
Don't Make the Filling Too Runny
This is important.
The sauce should be thick enough to sit on the English muffin rather than immediately soaking through it.
If it's too loose, simmer it for another few minutes.
Toast the Muffins First
A quick toast creates a barrier between the sauce and the bread.
It also gives you that wonderful crisp texture.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt beautifully and gives the finished melts a smoother, gooier topping.
Watch the Broiler
Seriously.
Stay right there.
Those last couple of minutes can transform the cheese from perfectly bubbly to burnt.
Let the Beef Cool Slightly
You don't need the filling to be cold, but letting it stop steaming heavily before assembling can help keep the English muffins from becoming overly soft.
Can I Make the Sloppy Joe Filling Ahead?
Absolutely.
The beef mixture can be prepared up to 3–4 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
When you're ready to make the melts, gently reheat the filling, toast the English muffins, assemble, and broil.
This makes the recipe even faster on busy evenings.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover assembled melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 3–4 days.
For the best texture, though, I recommend storing the Sloppy Joe filling separately from the English muffins whenever possible.
Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet or microwave, then toast fresh English muffin halves and assemble.
That way you get the crispy texture all over again.
Can You Freeze Sloppy Joe Filling?
Yes!
The Sloppy Joe filling freezes very well.
Let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to about 3 months for best quality.
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the melts.
I wouldn't freeze the assembled English muffin melts if you can avoid it because the bread can lose its crisp texture.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 12 English muffin halves
Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover Sloppy Joe meat?
Absolutely! That's one of the easiest shortcuts.
If you already have cooked Sloppy Joe filling in the refrigerator, simply reheat it, toast the English muffins, add the cheese, and broil.
Can I use regular hamburger buns?
Yes, although English muffins are what give this recipe its signature crispy-chewy texture.
Hamburger buns, ciabatta, French bread, or thick slices of sourdough can all work.
Why are my English muffins soggy?
The filling may be too thin, or the muffins may not have been toasted enough before adding the beef.
Make sure your Sloppy Joe mixture is thick and spoonable, and give the muffins a good initial toast.
Can I make these spicy?
Definitely. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or Pepper Jack cheese.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of beef?
Yes. You can replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and simmer it in the same sauce.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Assemble the melts and cook them at around 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them because cooking times vary between air fryers.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and provolone are all good choices. For extra flavor and meltiness, try combining two cheeses.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Sloppy Joe English Muffin Melts are proof that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated.
You get all the saucy, savory goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe, but instead of a regular bun, everything gets piled onto a crispy toasted English muffin and covered with melted cheese.
Then comes that final minute under the broiler.
The cheese bubbles.
The edges turn golden.
The kitchen smells incredible.
And suddenly dinner is ready.
They're perfect for a busy weeknight, a casual lunch, after-school snacking, or a game-day spread when you want something everyone can grab and enjoy.
So grab some English muffins, brown that beef, and don't be shy with the cheese.
These little melts are messy, cheesy, and completely delicious—and sometimes that's exactly what dinner needs.
More Easy Recipes to Try
If you love simple comfort food, you might also enjoy:
- Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- 3-Ingredient Cheesy Beef Bake
- 4-Ingredient Beef Crescent Puffs
- Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Cracker Sliders
- Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
If you make these Sloppy Joe English Muffin Melts, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest! I'd love to see your cheesy creation and hear what toppings or cheese combinations you used.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per 2 English muffin halves, before optional toppings:
Calories: 510
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sodium: 1,150mg
Sugar: 14g