This stove top Sloppy Joe Dip is the ultimate appetizer. It combines the bold, saucy flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe with warm, dippable cheese. Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and spices meld together with Velveeta and cheddar cheese, creating a dip that’s hearty and satisfying.
This easy sloppy joe dip recipe is a great dip. I make it every time we have a big game, family gathering, or just need a fun dip.
It has all the bold, familiar flavors of a standard Sloppy Joe recipe, but is taken to the next level with melty cheese.
And it’s so easy to make ahead! Prepare it in advance, pop it under the broiler, and have it ready in minutes for your guests.
You can adjust the heat with cayenne pepper or add some jalapeños on top for great flavor.
This dip can feed a crowd and is ideal for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a savory snack, this is sure to be your new favorite dip.
What is Sloppy Joe Dip?
Sloppy Joe Beef Dip is a fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich.
Instead of serving it on a bun, the ground beef mix is turned into a dip with melty cheeses.
It’s the perfect appetizer or snack for a sloppy joe lover!
What Ingredients Are in Sloppy Joe Dip?
- Ground beef: Forms the hearty base of the dip, providing rich, savory flavor.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a slight crunch and fresh, mild flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce of the hot dip, creating a smooth texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dip with a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Brown sugar: a little brown sugar balances the tang of ketchup and mustard.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of heat (optional for those who prefer milder flavors).
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce, bringing tanginess and sweetness.
- Mustard: Balances the sloppy joe cheese dip with its sharp, tangy flavor.
- Water: Helps loosen the mixture and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth to the cheesy dish.
- Velveeta cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds extra cheesiness and that golden bubbly topping.
- Toppings (optional): Green onions, jalapeños, and parsley for added freshness and heat.
Pro Tip: Choose a lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in your dip, and experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors—Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack are excellent choices for added flavor complexity.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Dip:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then drain fat off.
- Cook the diced onion and bell pepper in the skillet until softened.
- Stir in the seasonings, brown sugar, and flour into the meat mixture, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Add the ketchup, mustard, water, and Worcestershire sauce, bringing everything to a simmer.
- Stir in the Velveeta and shredded cheese until everything is smooth and melted.
- Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to a baking dish and broil until the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve sloppy joe chip dip hot with your favorite dippers!
Pro Tip: Be sure to watch the cheesy dip carefully when it’s under the broiler to prevent it from burning. A few seconds too long, and you can go from golden brown to overdone!
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Dip:
Cheesy Beef Dip is best served hot, straight from the oven, with a variety of dippers.
Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, and crunchy veggies like celery and carrots work wonderfully.
You can also add toppings like sliced jalapeños for extra heat or chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
Pro Tip: If you are serving this at a party or big game, serve it in a slow cooker to keep it warmed through the event.
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Dip:
Store any leftover Sloppy Dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Pro Tip: If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a small splash of water before reheating to loosen it back up to the right consistency.
Can You Freeze Sloppy Joe Dip?
Yes, Sloppy Joe Dip freezes well. Let the dip cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to freeze leftovers, make sure to store the dip before broiling the cheese on top. When reheating, you can add fresh cheese and broil it before serving!
Is Sloppy Joe Dip Healthy?
Sloppy Joe Dip is more indulgent than healthy. But you can make it healthier by using lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
You can also lighten it up by using less cheese or opting for lower-fat varieties. Add more veggies on the side to balance out this cheesy, savory treat!
Is Sloppy Joe Dip Gluten-Free?
Sloppy Joe Dip is not inherently gluten-free because of the all-purpose flour used to thicken the sauce.
However, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
Also, be sure to check your Worcestershire sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Dip:
Sloppy Joe Dip should be served with your favorite dippers.
For a classic take, serve it with tortilla chips, bagel chips, or toasted bread slices.
For a lighter option, go for crunchy veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers.
You can even get creative and use pretzels, crackers, or pita chips for different textures.
You can also try other appetizers. These are some of our favorites:
- Peppadew Dip
- Sriracha Meatballs
- Feta Cheese Dill Dip
- Clam Bruschetta
- Mexican Roasted Tomatoes
- Sweet Chili Edamame
- Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas
- Candied Pecans
- Crab Imperial
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Vinegar Olives
- Avocado Cilantro Dip
- Leftover Rice Balls
- Greek Tahini Sauce
- Pineapple Salsa
Whether you need a perfect dip or an appetizer version of your favorite sandwich, this dip is a sloppy joe fans dream during parties, football season tailgating, or any other casual gathering. Warm, tasty, and delicious, this is a great dish anytime of year!

Sloppy Joe Dip
Perfect for game day or any gathering, this Sloppy Joe Dip packs bold flavors and gooey cheese for the ultimate crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Additional toppings: chopped green onions, jalapenos, parsley
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, onions and green pepper over medium heat in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, flour, brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute
- Add in the ketchup, mustard, water and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Preheat your broiler. transfer the mixture to the baking dish (unless your skillet is oven proof).
- Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- serve warm with chips, crackers or toasted bread.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 937mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 25g