Description
These classic Sloppy Joes are a delicious and hearty sandwich made with ground beef or turkey simmered in a tangy sauce, served on toasted buns. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, they are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the meat is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce.
- If the mixture appears too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the buns.
- Slice the hamburger buns in half. If desired, you can spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the buns for added flavor.
- Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the meat mixture has thickened and the buns are toasted, its time to assemble your Sloppy Joes.
- Using a spoon, generously scoop the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Be sure to pile it high for a hearty sandwich!
- If desired, add your favorite toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw on top of the meat mixture.
- Place the top half of the bun over the filling to complete the sandwich.
- Serve the Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot. They pair well with a side of potato chips, fries, or a simple green salad.
- For a fun twist, consider serving the Sloppy Joe mixture over baked potatoes or as a filling for nachos.
- Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as chicken or pork, for a unique flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes