Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
5 -6 people
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Calories
407 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Sloppy Joes
Description
This Sloppy Joes recipe starts by sautéing garlic, onion, and diced green bell pepper in butter until softened. Ground beef is added and cooked until browned and crumbly. A robust sauce is formed by incorporating Dijon or dry mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, canned crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, a crumbled beef bouillon cube, and black pepper. The mixture simmers covered over low to medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, thickening to a dense, saucy consistency.
The filling is spooned onto toasted soft rolls, such as brioche or hamburger buns, and can be topped with slices of cheese that melt slightly from the sandwich's heat. The blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors complements the tender ground beef, producing a satisfying and familiar sandwich experience.
Sloppy Joes can be served with various toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or slaw for added texture and flavor. Crisps or salads balance the meal. Additionally, a slow cooker method allows extended cooking for tender meat and intensified flavors.
The filling stores well, keeping refrigerated for several days or frozen for months, and reheats conveniently. Switching meat types or adjusting seasonings offers versatility in preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 onion , finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced, aka green capsicum
- 500 ground beef mince) (Note 1
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard OR 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 400 crushed tomato canned
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cube , crumbled (Note 2)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
To serve:
- 5 to 6 soft rolls (Note 3)
- cheese optional, slices
- Other fixing options - see Note 4
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over high heat.
- Ad garlic and onion, cook for 2 minutes until onion is almost translucent.
- Add capsicum and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from red to brown.
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix well, then turn heat down to medium low (or low for strong stoves).
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure it doesn't catch on the base. (If in rush, cook 15 minutes without lid)
- Remove lid and give it a good stir for a minute. Mixture should be thick, not runny and saucy (see video). Adjust salt to taste.
- Toast rolls. Butter if desired (I don't).
- Pile on lots of filling, immediately top with cheese (heat should semi melt, otherwise pop under broiler/grill). Top with lid and serve immediately!
Notes
- Ground pork or other meats can be used; substitute chicken or turkey bouillon and increase Worcestershire sauce if changing meat type.
- Preferred rolls include brioche buns or soft hamburger buns, but any soft bread works.
- Toppings can include pickles, jalapeños, hot sauce, or crunchy additions like corn chips or coleslaw.
- The slow cooker option involves 6 hours on low for tender meat and deeper flavor; stir well afterward.
- Store filling in an airtight container refrigerated for 4-5 days or freeze up to 3 months; avoid storing rolls with filling to prevent sogginess.