Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- Buns (brioche, potato, or classic hamburger buns work well)
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the Vegetables:
To the cooked meat, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
5. Adjust the Flavor:
Taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar or mustard. For more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
6. Toast the Buns (Optional):
While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, you can toast your buns to add a little extra texture. Place the buns cut-side down on a hot, dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Assemble:
Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, spoon generous amounts of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Serve the Sloppy Joes immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato chips, or fries. Optional: Add pickles on the side or even on top for an extra tangy crunch!
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes:
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Browning the Meat: Make sure to brown the ground meat well—this adds a deep flavor and texture to the filling.
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Use a Mix of Ground Meats: For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or even ground chicken if you want a lighter option.
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Customize the Sauce: Sloppy Joe sauce can be tailored to your preferences. Add more vinegar for tanginess, Worcestershire sauce for depth, or chili powder for heat. If you like a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke.
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Let It Simmer: Allow the filling to simmer for a while to ensure the flavors meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will be. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
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Bun Choice: Use soft, sturdy buns like brioche, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns. They should be able to hold the sauce without falling apart.
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Keep It Warm: If you’re making Sloppy Joes for a crowd, you can keep the filling warm in a slow cooker on low heat or in a covered dish in the oven at 200°F (93°C).
Variations:
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the ground beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: For a smoky twist, replace some of the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Sloppy Joe Sliders: Use small slider buns to make mini Sloppy Joes, perfect for parties or appetizers.
This recipe for The Best Sloppy Joes is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual family meal. The combination of the savory, tangy, and sweet sauce with the juicy beef makes each bite irresistible. Plus, it's easy to customize to suit your tastes!