BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes
These BBQ Cowboy Sloppy Joes take a classic sloppy joe and load it up with smoky BBQ flavor, crispy bacon, pepper jack cheese, fried onions, and jalapeños. They're messy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that make them perfect for an easy family dinner.
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese or 8 for extra cheesy
- ⅓ cup crispy fried onions
- 1 medium jalapeño sliced
- 8 slices bacon cooked; reserve 1 tbsp bacon grease for cooking, or substitute olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bacon grease or oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a cooking spoon, until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a low simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- To assemble, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each brioche bun. Top with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slices, crispy onions, and two slices of bacon. Use two cheese slices per sandwich if desired.
- Add the top bun and serve warm.
Notes
The sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
For extra flavor, toast the brioche buns in a skillet, toaster, or under the broiler before assembling.