Sloppy Joes are a classic American dish that have been a favorite for generations. This delicious sandwich is made with ground beef cooked in a tangy, sweet sauce and served on a soft bun. The origin of the name "Sloppy Joe" is unclear, but it's believed to have first appeared in the 1930s as a popular lunch counter dish. Since then, Sloppy Joes have become a staple in homes and restaurants across the country, and there are many variations of the recipe that have emerged over the years. Whether you like your Sloppy Joes spicy or mild, with or without cheese, this tasty sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 266
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or less, if you prefer)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- dash of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Heat butter and oil in large skillet over MED/MED-HIGH heat. Add beef and brown, breaking apart into crumbles as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Transfer to colander to drain.
Step 2:
Add onion and bell pepper to same skillet and cook 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds or so, until fragrant. Add beef back to the skillet and add tomato paste. Stir well.
Step 3:
Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 4:
Cook over MED heat for 10-15 minutes, until mixture has thickened to your liking. Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.
Tips:
- Use the right meat: Ground beef is the traditional meat used in Sloppy Joes, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Brown the meat first: Cook the meat in a skillet until it's browned before adding the sauce and other ingredients. This helps to develop flavor and texture.
- Add vegetables: Adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots can add flavor and nutrition to your Sloppy Joes.
- Use the right bun: A soft bun like a hamburger bun or brioche bun is best for Sloppy Joes, as it will soak up the sauce and hold up to the filling.
- Customize the sauce: You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less of certain ingredients.
FAQs:
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Sloppy Joes ahead of time and reheat them later. Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I make Sloppy Joes without ketchup?
Yes, you can substitute the ketchup with tomato sauce or tomato paste. You may need to adjust the sweetness and seasoning accordingly.
Can I add cheese to Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can add shredded cheese to the filling or on top of the bun for added flavor.
Can I make Sloppy Joes vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can use a plant-based meat substitute or lentils instead of meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce if making vegan.
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze Sloppy Joes for up to 3 months. Store the filling in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Reheating: Reheat Sloppy Joes in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
