Chef John’s Hot Sloppy Joe Dip

Directions

1. In a heavy pot over medium-high heat, combine ground beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, flour, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Break up the mixture as it heats, cooking and stirring until most moisture has evaporated and the mixture is crumbly and browning, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
5. Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof saucepan. Top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, poke it down into the dip with a fork, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6. Broil until the cheese is browned and the dip is hot and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Recipe Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute 2 cups water for the chicken broth for a lighter version.
• Instead of broiling, finish the dip in a 425°F (220°C) oven or serve directly from the stovetop on low heat.
• Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions