Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions is a classic comfort food that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mom would make this dish for us on busy weeknights or for casual gatherings with friends and family. The combination of juicy ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and crispy fried onions always left us wanting more. Now, as an adult, I have added my own twist to this recipe and it has become a staple in my own kitchen. In this article, I will share with you my version of Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions and why it deserves a spot on your table.
Why This Recipe Works
There are many reasons why this recipe stands out and has become a family favorite. Here are a few key reasons:
- The combination of ground beef and fried onions adds a delicious texture and depth of flavor to the dish.
- The tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce balances out the richness of the beef and adds a burst of flavor.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- It can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried onions back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or in the oven for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes by placing a generous amount of the beef and onion mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while it simmers.
My Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe even more delicious:
- For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meatless ground beef alternative.
- To add some extra veggies to the dish, you can mix in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the ground beef.
What I Serve With This Recipe
Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions is a hearty and filling dish on its own, but it can also be paired with some delicious sides to make a complete meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic diner-style meal.
- Add a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a healthier option.
- For a fun twist, you can serve the Sloppy Joes on top of a bed of cooked rice or quinoa.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Here are some common questions that I have received about this recipe:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet and assemble the sandwiches.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and onion mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
Can I use canned fried onions instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use canned fried onions if you are short on time. However, I highly recommend making them from scratch for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe without buns?
Yes, you can serve the beef and onion mixture over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Plus, it brings back fond memories of my childhood and has now become a go-to recipe in my own kitchen. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family and I do!
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and make it your own. I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Share your experience in the comments below and happy cooking!
Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly in the skillet or an oven.
- Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on the toasted buns and top with crispy fried onions.
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