Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stromboli brings all the nostalgia of a sloppy joe into a handheld, cheesy baked treat. The combination of gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and soft dough with a crisp golden crust makes every bite irresistible. It’s great for feeding a hungry crowd, and it’s also easy enough to make on a weeknight. Plus, I can make it ahead and reheat it for quick lunches or snacks.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds ground beef
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups Colby cheese, shredded
• 1 canned pizza crust
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. I drain off any excess grease.

Next, I season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I stir everything well so the flavors combine evenly.

Then I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. I let it all simmer together just until the sauce thickens slightly. I turn off the heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes—this helps keep the dough from tearing later.

While the filling cools, I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C). I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the canned pizza dough into a rectangle.

I sprinkle half the shredded Colby cheese over the dough, then spread the sloppy joe mixture on top in an even layer. I finish with the remaining cheese.

To form the stromboli, I fold the long edges of the dough toward the center, overlapping them slightly. I press the seams and ends to seal and place the seam side down on the baking sheet. I cut a few slits across the top and brush with melted butter for a golden finish.

I bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings and comes together in about 40 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. It’s perfect for dinner with a salad or some roasted veggies on the side, or even for game-day snacks.

Variations

Sometimes I use shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of Colby, depending on what I have in the fridge. For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. If I want to sneak in some veggies, I mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef. And when I have time, I make my own pizza dough for an even more homemade feel.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the slices in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. The microwave works too, but the oven keeps the crust crispy. I don’t recommend freezing it once baked, but the cooked filling can be frozen separately and thawed when I’m ready to assemble a fresh stromboli.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I’ve used cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both with great results. Colby just melts nicely and adds that rich flavor I love.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I sometimes prepare the sloppy joe filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. When I’m ready, I just assemble and bake the stromboli fresh.

What if I don’t have canned pizza dough?

Homemade or store-bought fresh pizza dough works just as well. I just make sure to roll it out into a rectangle before adding the filling.

How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?

Letting the filling cool before assembling really helps. I also avoid overloading the dough with too much sauce to keep everything neat.

Can I make this without meat?

Yes! I’ve made a vegetarian version using lentils or plant-based crumbles in place of ground beef. The flavors still shine with the same sauce and cheese.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli is everything I want in a comfort food dish—melty, savory, easy to make, and fun to eat. It takes the familiar flavors of a sloppy joe and turns them into something extra special with gooey cheese and golden crust. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty, this stromboli always hits the spot.