I love taking simple freezer staples and turning them into something fun and over-the-top. This recipe starts with classic frozen corn dogs, then I butterfly them open and stuff them with a rich homemade sloppy Joe filling and melted cheddar cheese. It is comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent, making it perfect for an easy dinner or a casual get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it combines two familiar comfort foods into one satisfying bite. I like how the sweet corn dog coating pairs with the savory, slightly tangy sloppy Joe filling. It is quick to make, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. I also appreciate that I can customize the seasoning and cheese depending on what I am craving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 frozen corn dogs
½ pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend
Directions
I begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. I add the diced onion and season it with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend, cooking it for about 5 to 10 minutes until it softens. Next, I add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, seasoning it with BBQ seasoning until it is fully browned.
Once the meat is cooked, I stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. I let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for a few minutes until everything comes together into a thick, flavorful sloppy Joe filling.
While the filling simmers, I cook the frozen corn dogs according to the package directions, usually at 350°F for about 20 to 30 minutes. After they cool slightly, I remove the sticks and carefully slice each corn dog down the center without cutting all the way through. I gently open them, spoon the sloppy Joe mixture inside, and top each one with shredded cheddar cheese. I place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 to 6 servings from this recipe, depending on portion size. The total time is about 30 minutes, including roughly 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. It is a quick and satisfying meal that does not require much planning.
Variations
I sometimes add a little heat by mixing in chili powder or hot sauce with the sloppy Joe filling. When I want a different flavor, I swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a smoked cheese. I also like adding finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the onion mixture for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, I prefer placing them in a 350°F oven for about five minutes so they stay crisp. I also reheat them in an air fryer or microwave when I need a faster option.
FAQs
Can I make the sloppy Joe filling ahead of time?
I often prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the corn dogs.
Can I freeze the assembled corn dogs?
I find they are best fresh, but I can freeze them after stuffing and reheat them in the oven when needed.
What type of cheese works best?
I usually use cheddar, but any good melting cheese works well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
I reduce the brown sugar slightly if I want a more savory sloppy Joe flavor.
Are these good for parties?
I like serving these at parties because they are easy to hold, fun to eat, and always disappear quickly.
Conclusion
I enjoy making Sloppy Joe Corn Dogs because they turn everyday ingredients into something playful and satisfying. They are easy to prepare, full of bold flavor, and perfect when I want a comforting meal with a creative twist. This is one of those recipes I come back to whenever I want something fun and filling without a lot of effort.
Sloppy Joe Corn Dogs are a fun mash-up of two classic comfort foods. Frozen corn dogs are split and stuffed with homemade sloppy Joe filling and melted cheddar cheese, creating a sweet, savory, and nostalgic dish perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings
Ingredients
6 frozen corn dogs
½ pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and cook frozen corn dogs according to package instructions (about 20–30 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and season with salt, pepper, and garlic blend. Cook for 5–10 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet and season with BBQ seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer over medium-low heat until thickened into sloppy Joe filling.
Remove sticks from corn dogs and carefully butterfly them open without slicing all the way through.
Spoon sloppy Joe mixture into each corn dog and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Place stuffed corn dogs on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Prepare sloppy Joe filling ahead of time for faster assembly.
Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling for heat.
Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for variety.
Carefully cut corn dogs to avoid tearing the coating.
