Meet your new favorite comfort food: the Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a savory, smokey sauce, loaded onto buttery toasted brioche buns, and finished with melty provolone cheese. It’s all the cozy nostalgia of a classic sloppy joe, but with a grown-up twist that makes it totally crave-worthy. If you’re after a meal that’s big on flavor and ready in just half an hour, you’ll want this Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone in your regular dinner rotation!

Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone recipe relies on simple, real ingredients that pack a punch with every bite. Each component brings something special—from the smokiness of paprika to the creamy finish of provolone cheese—making every bite utterly irresistible.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Opt for 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful result—just drain off the excess fat before adding in your veggies.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a sweet, savory base that balances the rich sauce.
Green Bell Pepper (1/2, diced): Brings a pop of color and a subtle crunch that keeps things interesting.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For deep aroma and umami—don’t skip it!
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): The secret ingredient for that signature smokiness.
Chili Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth without overwhelming heat.
Ground Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Lends an earthy backbone to the overall flavor.
Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Provides robust tomato intensity and thickens the filling.
Ketchup (3/4 cup): Creates a tangy, sweet base for the sauce—classic sloppy joe territory!
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): For umami and that irresistible savory punch.
Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity and ramps up that sticky, glossy finish.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other taste in the skillet—don’t be shy to season.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of sharpness to cut through the richness.
Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Smooth, slightly nutty, and melts like a dream over the hot filling.
Brioche Buns or Hamburger Buns (4): Brioche brings a buttery twist, but any good, fresh bun will hold up to this saucy filling.
Butter (1 tablespoon for toasting): Don’t skip toasting in butter—it’s the secret to irresistible, golden buns.

How to Make Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Browning every bite not only brings out the natural flavor but also gets those little crispy edges that make Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone so addictive. Once your beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, go ahead and drain off most of the excess fat, but leave just a little for a luscious, flavorful base.

Step 2: Soften the Veggies

With the beef still in the skillet, toss in your diced onions and bell peppers. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers start to soften. This step infuses the beef with sweet, aromatic notes and sets the foundation for our rich sauce.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices

Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. Stir the mixture and let the spices warm up for just a minute—this “blooms” their flavors and builds those irresistibly smokey notes that make Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone really shine.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to coat the beef and veggies. Let it cook for another minute to deepen its sweetness. Next, pour in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix and let the whole savory concoction simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up nicely. The sauce should cling to the beef—there’s nothing worse than a runny sloppy joe!

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While that saucy magic is happening, melt butter on a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place your buns cut-side down and toast them until golden and lightly crisped, about 1–2 minutes. This step is pure luxury and makes the Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone experience next-level. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this little bit of extra effort!

Step 6: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

Load up the bottom half of each toasted bun with a generous spoonful of the hot sloppy joe mixture. Lay a slice of provolone cheese right on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, turning it gooey and luscious. Add the top bun, press gently, and marvel at your creation—you’ve just made a classic Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone!

How to Serve Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone

Garnishes

If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the gooey cheese for a burst of color and freshness. A few pickle chips tucked under the lid can add a zippy crunch, while a quick grind of black pepper makes things pop visually and flavor-wise. It’s all about that final flourish!

Side Dishes

Pair your Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone with classic potato chips, oven-baked fries, or a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness. Even a simple green salad works wonders—those crunchy, slightly bitter greens balance the deep, savory flavors of your sandwich perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the bun by spooning the sloppy joe mixture over hot baked potatoes, or stuff it into mini slider rolls for a crowd-pleasing party platter. For a fun twist, try open-faced sandwiches broiled for a minute until the provolone bubbles and turns golden brown. Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone can fit any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and cheese separate until you’re ready to reheat and assemble—this keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

Freezing

The meat mixture freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, warm the beef filling in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of water or beef broth. Assemble with fresh buns and provolone, and you’re good to go—just as delicious as day one!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version of Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone. You may need a bit of extra olive oil when browning, since poultry is leaner.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! While smoked paprika gives the signature flavor, you can substitute regular paprika and add a few drops of liquid smoke, or just let the cumin and chili powder build in that warm, earthy profile.

Can I make it spicier?

Definitely. Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños when you sauté the veggies if you crave more heat. Customizing the spice level makes Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone uniquely yours.

Is there a dairy-free cheese option?

Absolutely—swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese slices and be sure to choose dairy-free buns if you need the entire dish to be dairy-free. The dish is flexible and still just as satisfying!

Can I prep everything ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Make the filling a day or two ahead, stash it in the fridge, and then reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches fresh. This way, your Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone will taste like you just whipped them up, even when you’re entertaining a crowd.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor—give Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone a try. There’s just something about that smokey, cheesy bite that makes everyone happy. Whip up a batch, share it with your favorite people, and enjoy every saucy, melty moment!

Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Smokey Sloppy Joes topped with melty provolone cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 slices provolone cheese
4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened. Stir in garlic, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Add tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Toast the Buns: Butter the buns and toast until golden.
Assemble: Spoon the beef mixture onto the buns, top with provolone cheese, and melt slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra smokiness, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or using smoked ground turkey or brisket.
You can broil the assembled sandwiches briefly to ensure the cheese is fully melted.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American