Description
Sloppy Joes delight hungry crowds with their messy, flavor-packed charm, promising a hearty meal that satisfies from the first bite. Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce nestles perfectly between pillowy buns, inviting you to dive into this classic American comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Serving Component:
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef into a spacious skillet set over medium-high heat, methodically breaking down the meat while cooking until it transforms into a rich, uniformly browned texture.
- Eliminate any accumulated grease, ensuring a clean cooking surface for the subsequent flavor infusion.
- Introduce finely diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic into the meat-filled skillet, gently sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Craft the signature sloppy joe sauce by blending tangy ketchup, deep molasses-like brown sugar, zesty mustard, robust Worcestershire sauce, smoky paprika, and a harmonious balance of salt and black pepper.
- Thoroughly incorporate the sauce into the meat and vegetable mixture, creating a glossy, well-coated consistency.
- Splash in water and reduce heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and marry the flavors, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and encourage sauce thickening.
- While the mixture develops its rich character, lightly toast the hamburger buns to provide a crisp foundation.
- Generously ladle the saucy meat mixture onto the prepared buns, ensuring each serving is brimming with savory goodness.
- Serve immediately, inviting diners to savor the comforting, classic sloppy joe experience.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version that still packs tons of flavor.
- Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy, soggy sandwiches and ensure a perfect texture.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra kick if you enjoy spicier sloppy joes.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free buns and checking that Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg