Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with melty cheese, all wrapped in a golden pizza crust. It’s a fun and satisfying meal perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced onions and ground beef until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Season the cooked beef and onions with Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Step 3: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, then turn off the heat and set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 5: Roll out the pizza dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby cheese evenly over the dough.
- Step 7: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the filling.
- Step 8: Fold the dough edges toward the center, overlapping slightly to encase the filling. Press the ends together or fold them underneath to seal the stromboli.
- Step 9: Cut 4 to 5 slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape, then brush the entire top with melted butter.
- Step 10: Bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Use mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if Colby is not available.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
- If you prefer a spicier stromboli, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
Storage
Store leftover stromboli wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain the crust’s crispness. You can also freeze the cooked stromboli for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly in this recipe. Just roll it out evenly on your baking sheet before adding the filling.
Is it possible to make this stromboli ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap until ready to bake.
Print
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stromboli is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza crust and loaded with melty Colby cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snack, this stromboli combines savory seasoned ground beef with tangy tomato sauce and spices, all baked to perfection for a satisfying handheld meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 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
Cheese
- 2 cups Colby cheese, shredded (divided)
Dough and Topping
- 1 canned pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced onions and ground beef together until the beef is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season the meat mixture: Return the pan to heat and add Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the meat and onion mixture. Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and brown sugar until the mixture is well blended. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Roll out the canned pizza crust onto the sheet, pressing it out evenly to form a rectangular shape.
- Assemble the stromboli filling: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby cheese evenly over the dough surface. Then spoon the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the meat filling.
- Seal the dough: Fold the edges of the dough toward the center, slightly overlapping them to enclose the filling. Press the ends together or fold them underneath to ensure a secure seal. Cut 4 to 5 slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply melted butter: Brush the top of the sealed dough with the melted butter to help achieve a golden brown crust.
- Bake the stromboli: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet with the stromboli in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the stromboli from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice into individual portions and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Colby cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Leftover stromboli can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- If you prefer, you can use homemade pizza dough instead of canned pizza crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Stromboli, cheesy, ground beef, pizza crust, easy dinner, comfort food

