Why You’ll Love these Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes
If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s guaranteed to satisfy those hearty cravings, these Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes are about to become your new obsession.
I mean, who can resist the combination of tender corned beef, savory pastrami, and melty Swiss cheese all nestled in a hollowed-out rye loaf?
What makes this sandwich truly special is the contrast of textures. The creamy Russian dressing mingles with crisp coleslaw while warm meats and gooey cheese bring everything together.
Trust me, it’s a messy masterpiece worth every napkin.
Can’t you just taste that perfect bite now? Deli perfection in sandwich form.
What Ingredients are in Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes?
These Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes are fundamentally the magnificent love child of a classic Reuben and a New York deli counter.
There’s something absolutely magical about how all these bold flavors come together in one gloriously messy sandwich.
The combination might sound intimidating at first glance, but trust me, these ingredients create the perfect symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to sandwich heaven.
- 1 loaf of rye bread
- 6 ounces Russian salad dressing
- 1 pound coleslaw
- 2 ounces sliced corned beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 ounces sliced pastrami
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters.
Look for a fresh, sturdy rye bread that can stand up to all those juicy fillings without falling apart.
For the Russian dressing, you can certainly use store-bought, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade takes this sandwich to another level.
As for the meats, thin-sliced deli-style cuts work best, allowing you to layer them perfectly.
And don’t skimp on the coleslaw—that crunch and tang are what balances all the rich, savory elements in this monster of a sandwich.
How to Make these Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes
Making these truly messy masterpieces is surprisingly straightforward, though let’s be honest, you might need to unhinge your jaw a bit to tackle the final product.
Start with a good loaf of rye bread—this isn’t just any sandwich, folks. Cut along the side of your loaf to create a submarine-style opening, then hollow out the soft insides. This creates a beautiful bread boat ready to hold all those magnificent fillings.
Now comes the fun part: layering! Begin by spreading about 3 ounces of your Russian dressing into the bread cavity, creating a tangy foundation. Follow this with half a pound of coleslaw, spreading it evenly throughout. Layer 2 ounces of thinly sliced corned beef on top of the coleslaw, then place 2 slices of Swiss cheese over the meat. See how we’re building these flavor profiles?
Next, add your 2 ounces of sliced pastrami, then drizzle more Russian dressing (the remaining 3 ounces) over that. Another 2 slices of Swiss cheese go on top, followed by the rest of your coleslaw. Ever wonder why they call it “sloppy”? We’re about to find out.
Gently close up your sandwich, which might take some careful maneuvering at this point. Cut the loaded beast into three manageable sections and secure each with a toothpick—preferably those fancy club sandwich ones with the colorful frills on top. For a quicker preparation option, you could use a premium multifunctional pressure cooker to tenderize tough cuts of meat for your sandwich fillings.
The recipe isn’t kidding about needing napkins, by the way. I recommend having a small forest’s worth on hand. These sandwiches are gloriously drippy, with the Russian dressing and coleslaw creating a magnificent mess that’s worth every drop that ends up on your shirt.
The combination of textures—crunchy coleslaw, chewy bread, tender meats, and melty cheese—creates a sandwich experience that’s truly transcendent. For an elevated version of this recipe, consider toasting your sandwich in a pizza oven for a crispy exterior while maintaining all those delicious fillings.
Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this loaded deli sandwich packs a serious flavor punch, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or accommodate what’s already in your fridge.
Try swapping rye for pumpernickel or sourdough bread for a different flavor base. Not a fan of Russian dressing? Thousand Island works beautifully, or mix mayo with a bit of sriracha for heat.
Turkey or ham can replace corned beef or pastrami if that’s what you have on hand.
And let’s talk cheese options—provolone, havarti, or even pepper jack can stand in for Swiss. Feeling adventurous? Add some sauerkraut or pickles.
What to Serve with Loaded Deli Sloppy Joes
Since these loaded deli sloppy joes pack such a robust flavor punch, they deserve equally impressive side dishes to complete your meal.
I recommend pairing with crispy potato chips, dill pickles, or a simple cucumber salad for that invigorating crunch. A tangy potato salad makes an excellent companion, too.
Want something lighter? Try a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
For drinks, nothing beats an ice-cold beer or cream soda.
And let’s not forget about dessert—a slice of New York cheesecake feels like the perfect finale, don’t you think?
Final Thoughts
These loaded deli sloppy joes represent the perfect marriage of classic deli flavors and handheld convenience. I’m convinced there’s something magical about combining corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing in one glorious sandwich.
The contrast of cool coleslaw with savory meat creates a texture experience that’s simply unbeatable.
Sure, you’ll need plenty of napkins—maybe even a bib if you’re feeling fancy. But isn’t that the hallmark of truly satisfying comfort food? The mess is part of the charm.
And if you’re looking for another comfort food option, a hearty ground beef chili makes an excellent alternative for those craving something spicy instead of tangy.
Trust me, once you’ve tried this deli-inspired masterpiece, ordinary sandwiches might never satisfy you again. For a complete meal, serve alongside fried rice recipe that uses your leftover rice for an easy and delicious side dish.
