- Sloppy Joe sandwiches are a beloved classic that offer a delightful combination of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a touch of sweetness, all served on a soft bun. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
:For Serving
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Pickles (optional)
- Sliced onions (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Directions
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. Mix well to combine.
- Add the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Toast the Buns:
- While the mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a hot skillet until they are golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with pickles, sliced onions, and shredded cheese if desired.
- Cover with the top half of the bun.
Serve:
- Serve the Sloppy Joe sandwiches hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad.
What to Serve With Sloppy Joes
- Great options to serve with Sloppy Joes include classic sides like crunchy potato chips, crispy fries (traditional or sweet potato), and tangy coleslaw. Dill pickles or pickled vegetables add a crisp, acidic contrast.
- For fresh and light sides, a garden salad with mixed greens, or a refreshing fruit salad, pairs nicely, as does grilled or boiled corn on the cob.
- Comforting sides like sweet baked beans, creamy macaroni and cheese, and potato salad also work well.
- Bread options like garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Other choices include crispy onion rings, or for a lighter option, carrot and celery sticks with ranch or hummus. Mix and match these sides to suit your preferences for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Making a Sloppy Joes
1. Choose the Right Meat
Start with ground beef, but don't hesitate to mix things up by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Brown the Meat Properly
Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly. Cook it over medium-high heat until it's nicely browned, which adds depth of flavor.
3. Amp Up the Flavor
The traditional Sloppy Joe sauce usually combines ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, but you can easily customize it. Add a splash of vinegar for tang, brown sugar for sweetness, or hot sauce for a kick. You can also experiment with barbecue sauce, tomato paste, or canned tomatoes for a richer, more robust sauce.
4. Vegetable Boost
Enhance the texture and nutrition by adding vegetables to your mix. Classic options include diced onions and bell peppers, but you can also throw in grated carrots, celery, or even mushrooms.
5. Simmer for Depth
Once you've combined your meat with the sauce ingredients, allow it to simmer. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce. Be patient and let it cook down to your desired consistency.
6. Toast the Buns
For a Sloppy Joe that doesn't fall apart immediately, lightly toast the buns before serving. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy and adds a nice crunch to the sandwich. You can brush the buns with butter or olive oil and toast them in the oven or on a skillet.
7. Toppings and Add-Ons
Enhance your Sloppy Joes with toppings like cheese, pickles, or coleslaw. A slice of cheddar or provolone melted on top adds creaminess, while pickles or jalapeños provide a nice tangy crunch. Coleslaw adds freshness and texture that balances out the rich filling.
8. Make It Ahead
Sloppy Joes often taste even better the next day. If you're planning for a gathering, make the filling a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop and assemble your sandwiches.