Description

Sloppy Joe Monsters are a fun, kid-friendly twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground beef is simmered with onions, garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar to create a sweet and tangy filling that’s piled high on buns. The sandwiches are decorated with jagged cheese ‘teeth’ and pimento-stuffed olive ‘eyes’ to resemble little monsters, making mealtime playful and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Filling

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly & Decorations

Slider or full-sized buns for serving
Sliced cheese (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Pimento-stuffed olives
Toothpicks

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Instructions

Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Monster Decorations: While the filling simmers, cut cheese slices into jagged, pointy shapes that resemble monster teeth.
Make the Monster Eyes: Stick toothpicks into two pimento-stuffed olives to create the monster’s eyes, making them ready to top the sandwich.
Assemble the Sloppy Joe Monsters: Pile a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Add the Cheese Teeth: Lay a slice of jagged cheese on top of the sloppy joe, letting the ‘teeth’ hang off the side of the sandwich for a monstrous look.
Top the Sandwich and Add Eyes: Place the top half of the bun over the cheese, then insert the olive ‘eyes’ on top of the bun using the toothpicks to secure them.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sloppy Joe Monsters immediately. These sandwiches can be made with either full-sized or slider buns, based on your preference.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to make the filling sweeter or more savory according to your taste.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce to the filling while simmering.
Use your favorite cheese to customize the ‘teeth,’ but sharper cheeses hold shape better for decoration.
Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to avoid a soggy sandwich.
These Sloppy Joe Monsters are perfect for kids’ parties or Halloween themed meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American