Of course! Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that are far superior to the canned version. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that delivers that perfect sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
This recipe is easily customizable and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
· 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
· 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
· 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor)
· ¾ cup ketchup
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
· ½ cup beef broth or water
· 1 teaspoon chili powder
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
- Combine Sauces: Reduce the heat to medium-low. To the meat mixture, add the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, beef broth, and chili powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Adjust other seasonings to your liking (e.g., more brown sugar for sweetness, more mustard for tang).
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes:
· The Toast is a Must: Toasting the buns is non-negotiable! It adds a crucial textural contrast and prevents the bun from getting soggy too quickly.
· Drain the Fat: Draining the excess fat from the ground beef after browning is key. It prevents the final mixture from being greasy.
· Low and Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering step. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and helps the sauce thicken properly.
· Customize It: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to get creative!
· Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a finely diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers.
· Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
· Different Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version (use vegetable broth).
· Make it Ahead: The Sloppy Joe mixture reheats beautifully. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joes:
· Classic Sides: Crispy potato chips, french fries, or tater tots.
· Veggie Sides: A simple green salad, coleslaw, or carrot and celery sticks.
· Heartier Sides: Baked beans or macaroni and cheese.
Enjoy your delicious, messy, and homemade Sloppy Joes