Sloppy Joe Cheese Fries

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the French Fries

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the frozen French fry package directions (typically around 425°F or 220°C).

2. Prepare: Spread the fries in a single layer on a large, parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake: Bake for the recommended time (usually 20-30 minutes), flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven when done, but keep the oven on.

Step 2: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

2. Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is completely browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water/broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).

5. Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and reduced. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

⏰ Time-Saver Tip: To save time, skip Steps 2 and 3 and simply brown 1 pound of ground beef. Drain the fat, then stir in 1 (15 oz) can of your favorite Sloppy Joe sauce (like Manwich) and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

1. Layer the Dish: Once the fries are crispy, leave them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries.

2. Add Sloppy Joe: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the fries and initial layer of cheese.

3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the meat mixture.

4. Melt: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the melted cheese and meat.

2. Serve: Serve immediately, directly from the pan or on a large platter. Don’t forget the forks!