Get ready to sink your teeth into these Open-Faced Sloppy Joes, inspired by Wahlburgers! Piled high with flavorful, saucy ground beef on toasted bread and topped with melty cheese, this copycat recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s messy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!
This Open-Faced Sloppy Joes recipe is a delicious copycat of the Wahlburgers classic, bringing all the bold flavors of the original right to your kitchen.
Featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy sauce, this dish is served over toasted bread and topped with gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these sloppy joes are hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly messy—in the best way possible!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Bold Flavor – Savory, tangy, and perfectly seasoned beef.
- Melty Cheese – Gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Comfort Food – Warm, hearty, and super satisfying.
- Family Favorite – Loved by both kids and adults.
- Better Than Takeout – Homemade with fresh, quality ingredients.
- Messy & Delicious – The perfect kind of sloppy sandwich!
- Great for Weeknights – Quick, filling, and stress-free meal.
- Wahlburgers Copycat – Enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef: The base of your Sloppy Joe filling, providing a rich and meaty flavor.
- Onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the mix.
- Green Bell Pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers a sweeter bell pepper flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Ketchup: Acts as a base for the sauce, contributing sweetness and tang.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding depth and richness.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a hint of molasses sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity with its unique, savory flavor.
- Chili Powder: Gives a mild heat and a hint of smokiness.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a spicy, earthy undertone.
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning and enhancing the flavor profile.
- Thick White Bread or Texas Toast: Serves as a sturdy and delicious base for the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Butter: For toasting the bread, adding richness and flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the butter with a fragrant garlic flavor.
- Parsley: Adds a touch of herbiness and color to the bread.
- Sliced Pickles: A crunchy, tangy element contrasts the rich meat.
- Sliced Tomatoes: Bring a fresh, juicy component.
- Sliced Red Onions: Offer a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the Sloppy Joe.
How To Make Copycat Wahlberger Open-Faced Sloppy Joes
Step One: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Step Two: Stir in the diced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened. Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and garlic powder—season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Three: Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld together.
Step Four: Combine the softened butter with garlic and dried parsley flakes in a small bowl. Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each thick white bread or Texas toast slice. Place the bread slices, buttered side down, in your air fryer basket. Air fry the bread for 2-3 minutes until it becomes crispy and light golden brown.
Step Five: Place the toasted bread slices on plates, buttered side up. Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture over each slice of toast.
Step Six: If desired, top each open-faced sandwich with sliced pickles, tomatoes, and red onions for added flavor and texture. This recipe brings the flavors of Wahlburgers into your home, offering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Open Faced Sloppy Joes – Wahlburger Copycat Recipe Tips
- Choose Thick, Sturdy Bread: For the best texture, opt for thick white bread or Texas toast. It holds up well to the sloppy Joe mixture without getting soggy.
- Season the Beef Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Make sure to taste the beef mixture as you cook it and adjust the spices as needed to get that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Freshly diced onions and bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor to the sloppy Joe mix. Don’t overcook them—leave them slightly tender for a better texture.
- Perfect Crispy Toast: Air fry the bread until it’s golden and crispy on the outside, but still soft on the inside. This ensures it doesn’t get too hard once topped with the sloppy Joe mixture.
- Toppings Make a Difference: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding sliced pickles, tomatoes, or red onions to the top of your open-faced sandwiches. They add freshness and a little zing!
- Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make extra sloppy Joe mixture and store it in the fridge for easy reheating for future meals.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Open-Faced Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meat mixture and toasted bread separate to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the sloppy Joe mixture for up to 3 months. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat, and toast fresh bread to serve. For best results, avoid reheating the bread in the microwave to maintain its crispness.
What To Serve With Copycat Wahlburger Open Faced Sloppy Joes
When serving Copycat Wahlburger Open-Faced Sloppy Joes, pair them with sides that complement their savory, tangy flavors. Crispy French fries or golden potato wedges are a classic choice, adding a satisfying crunch.
For a lighter option, serve with a refreshing coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sloppy joes. Pickles and sliced tomatoes also make great toppings, enhancing the dish with a touch of freshness and acidity. For a truly indulgent meal, add a side of cheesy baked macaroni or onion rings to elevate the comfort food experience!
Copycat Wahlburger Open Faced Sloppy Joes Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of bread for the open-faced sloppy joes? Yes, you can use any type of hearty bread you prefer, such as sourdough or a crusty baguette. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the sloppy joe mixture without becoming soggy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mixture and toast the bread.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture? Yes, the sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to use it.
How can I make the recipe spicier? To add some heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture while cooking. Adjust to your spice preference!
Can I use a different cheese for topping? While the recipe suggests melted cheese, you can experiment with different types like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for added flavor and creaminess.
More Copycat Recipes
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
- Instant Pot Andes Brownie Bites
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Gluten-Free Brownies
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Copycat Wahlberger Open Faced Sloppy Joes
Description
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , to taste
For the Bread:
- 4 slices Texas toast, or thick white bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley , dried parsley flakes
For Toppings (Optional):
- 1/4 cup pickles, Sliced
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, Sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, Sliced
Instructions
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and is heated through.
For the Bread:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- While the Sloppy Joe filling is cooking, mix the minced garlic and dried parsley flakes into the softened butter.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the bread slices, buttered side down, in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the bread for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes crispy and lightly golden brown.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Place a slice of crispy bread on each serving plate, buttered side up.
- Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe filling over each slice of bread.
- If desired, top with sliced pickles, tomatoes, and red onions.
- Serve your Air Fryer Copycat Open-Faced Wahlberger Sloppy Joes immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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