Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food loved by both kids and adults alike. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy ketchup, and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor-packed dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in Sloppy Joes makes it a truly satisfying meal.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Sloppy Joes can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and a rich meaty flavor to the dish.
- Onion and green bell pepper: Provide a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Hamburger buns: The base for serving the Sloppy Joes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on hamburger buns.
Helpful Tips:
- Toast the hamburger buns before serving for added flavor and texture.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of ground beef with some ground pork for a richer flavor profile.
- Let the Sloppy Joe mixture simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing soda for a classic American meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Yes, Sloppy Joes are great for meal prep and can be made in advance.
- Can I freeze Sloppy Joe mixture? Yes, you can freeze the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture for up to 3 months.
- What other meats can I use for Sloppy Joes? Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be used as alternatives to beef.
- How can I make Sloppy Joes spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
Conclusion:
Sloppy Joes are a timeless favorite that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re craving a quick and easy meal or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
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Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, onions, and bell peppers in a tangy ketchup-based sauce. Serve this hearty mixture on soft hamburger buns for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 6 hamburger buns, split
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until flavors blend.
- Assemble: Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg