Homemade Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
6 servings
-
Course
Main Course
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Description
This Sloppy Joes recipe starts with browning lean ground beef in vegetable oil, then adding diced onion and green bell pepper sautéed until tender. Tomato paste and minced garlic are cooked briefly with smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, infusing the mixture with smokiness and subtle heat. Adding beef stock deglazes the pan and contributes to a savory base.
The sauce’s flavor develops by stirring in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, providing sweet, tangy, and umami notes. The mixture is simmered until thickened and the flavors meld, creating a sauce that clings well to sandwich buns. The texture is rich and moist without excess liquid, ideal for handheld eating.
Serve the sloppy joe filling hot on toasted hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. It makes a casual main dish suitable for family meals or casual gatherings. Adding classic sides like coleslaw or pickled vegetables complements the rich filling.
For freezing, cool completely, portion into bags removing excess air, and freeze flat for convenience. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and prevent burning.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 90/10, lean
- 1 sweet onion diced, small
- 1 bell pepper diced, small green
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in beef stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in ketchup, Dijon, Worcestershire and brown sugar; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have blended, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cool Sloppy Joe mixture completely before freezing it in portioned freezer bags laid flat for quick freezing.
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on low, stirring occasionally until hot.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
