Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli

A fun, delicious twist on classic sloppy joes — all the rich, saucy beef and melted cheese wrapped inside golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for game day, family dinner, or an easy party food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort-food flavors wrapped in a handheld form
• Gooey, cheesy, beefy filling that stays inside the crust
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Great for sharing
• Kid-friendly and leftovers reheat beautifully

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Stromboli

• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
   • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until veggies soften.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
   • Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Dough
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll pizza dough into a rectangle on parchment paper.
4. Assemble
   • Spread the cooled sloppy joe mixture down the center of the dough.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the top.
   • Fold the long sides over the filling to form a log. Seal edges tightly.
   • Transfer to a baking sheet.
5. Finish & Bake
   • Brush the top with beaten egg.
   • Bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown.
   • Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the top.
   • Sprinkle parsley if you want.
6. Slice & Serve
   • Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing so the cheese can set.
   • Cut into thick slices and enjoy warm.

You Must Know

• Don’t overfill — or it may leak while baking.
• Let the mixture cool a bit before adding to the dough so it doesn’t soften it too much.
• Seal the edges firmly to keep everything inside.
• Egg wash gives a golden, bakery-style finish.

Pro Tips

• Add jalapeños for a spicy version.
• Pepper-jack cheese makes the filling extra melty and flavorful.
• Use parchment paper so the stromboli can be lifted easily.
• Serve with extra sauce for dipping — like marinara or spicy ketchup.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef → ground turkey or chicken
• Mozzarella → provolone or Monterey Jack
• Pizza dough → crescent roll dough for a softer crust
• Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup

Serving Suggestions

• With fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad
• Serve as party slices on a platter
• Great school lunch or after-school snack

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
• Can freeze up to 2 months — warm from frozen in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, refrigerate unbaked, and bake when ready.

→ Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely — corn, diced carrots, or mushrooms work well.

→ Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, just roll it to a similar rectangle size.

→ Can this be made spicy?
Add cayenne, chili flakes, or spicy cheese to heat it up.

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