Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g), 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1.25 ml) (optional, for a kick!)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15 ml)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (50g)
  • Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Soften the cream cheese. Shred the cheeses.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  7. Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  10. Garnish with sliced green onions (optional). Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, or crudités.Enjoy Chef John's Hot Sloppy Joe Dip!