Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can reduced-sugar sloppy joe sauce (e.g., Manwich Less Sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (225g) block reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) light sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) 2% milk
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook until crumbled and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Add the 1 small finely diced yellow onion and 1/2 finely diced green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the 1 clove minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Stir in the 1 (15 oz) can reduced sugar sloppy joe sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, and 1/4 cup low sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz (225g) sof
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar oven-safe baking dish. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon the warm sloppy joe beef mixture over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture, then sprinkle evenly with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
  6. Let the dip stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread.