Who doesn’t love a good Sloppy Joe? This classic American sandwich is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a tangy tomato sauce all piled high on a soft bun. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or a casual get-together, Sloppy Joes are not just delicious; they’re also a fun, messy meal that brings smiles and laughter to the table. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What Makes It Special
Sloppy Joes are more than just a sandwich; they’re a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of childhood dinners and backyard barbecues. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the sauce, paired with the hearty ground beef, creates a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Plus, the name itself often leads to playful jokes and laughter, making it a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Pickles (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Mix the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Buns: While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Assemble: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickles if you like, then place the top half of the bun on.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, fries, or a simple salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize your Sloppy Joes by adding spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Leftovers: The Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick meal.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
There you have it—a classic Sloppy Joe recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table! With its rich flavors and delightful messiness, it’s a meal that brings joy and laughter to any occasion. How did your Sloppy Joes turn out? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!
Get Ready to Get Messy: Classic Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly on a separate pan or in a toaster.
- Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
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