Toasted hoagie rolls packed with hearty, saucy ground beef and crowned with a layer of gooey melted cheese—these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, they are flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a casual family dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the nostalgic flavors of classic sloppy joes and upgrades them with a cheesy, oven-baked finish. The rolls are slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, providing the perfect vessel for the rich, savory filling. It’s quick to make, customizable, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Whether served as a main dish or shared as party sliders, these stuffed rolls deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns, split
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, water, and chili powder (if using). Reduce the heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
5. Arrange the split hoagie rolls on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the beef mixture.
6. Top each roll with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils.
• Mini rolls: Use slider buns for party-friendly portions.
• Sweet and tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of brown sugar for extra depth.
• Cheese blend: Use a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover stuffed rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, microwave for 1–2 minutes, though this may soften the bread.
If possible, store the filling and rolls separately for best results when reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What type of bread works best?

Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns are ideal, but French rolls or brioche buns also work well.

Can I freeze these?

You can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately. Assemble and bake fresh for best texture.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the rolls before filling can help maintain structure.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, both work well and offer a lighter alternative.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s flavorful without being too spicy, and kids love the cheesy finish.

What goes well on the side?

Serve with potato wedges, coleslaw, a side salad, or pickles.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and check labels on condiments like Worcestershire sauce.

Can I cook the filling in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 2–3 hours after browning the meat and combining the ingredients.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Rolls are a deliciously messy, mouthwatering take on a beloved classic. With their rich, saucy filling and irresistible melted cheese topping, they’re guaranteed to become a regular request in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a crowd, these hearty stuffed rolls are always a hit.

Print