Ah, Sloppy Joes—my childhood nemesis and adult guilty pleasure. I used to think they were just glorified meat sauce on bread, but oh, how wrong I was! With a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that dances on the tongue, these homemade wonders bring me back to summer barbecues and that one time Aunt Linda spilled the entire pot at the family reunion.
(What a mess! ) But hey, isn’t chaos part of the charm?
Steps
- Start by cooking ground beef, onions, and green peppers in a skillet until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft.
- Remove excess liquid from the skillet, then add the remaining ingredients to the beef mixture.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Finally, serve the mixture hot on hamburger buns.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
FAQ
- What exactly are Sloppy Joes?
- Sloppy Joes are sandwiches made with ground beef and onions cooked in a tomato-based sauce, typically served on hamburger buns.
- Can Sloppy Joes be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely, you can prepare Sloppy Joes ahead of time. Follow the recipe, allow it to cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving on fresh buns.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Sloppy Joes?
- Sloppy Joes pair well with a variety of side dishes. Some suggestions include homemade sweet potato fries, crispy seasoned French fries, mac and cheese, dill pickles, house salad, and baked beans.
- Do you need to drain the meat when making Sloppy Joes?
- While some prefer to drain the meat, Nicole McLaughlin recommends using lean meat and sautéing the onions and peppers in the rendered fat for enhanced flavor.
- What type of buns are best for Sloppy Joes?
- Nicole suggests opting for inexpensive buns, as they absorb the sauce well and provide the classic Sloppy Joe experience.
Tips
- Opt for lean ground beef to minimize the need for draining excess fat, which can then be used to sauté onions and bell peppers for added flavor.
- Use inexpensive hamburger buns that can soak up the sauce for a classic Sloppy Joe experience.
- Overfill the buns slightly, allowing some filling to spill out, which can be scooped up with potato chips for an enjoyable twist.
- Prepare Sloppy Joes in advance and store in the fridge for up to three days; reheat thoroughly before serving on fresh buns for a quick meal option.
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- Airtight storage containers (for making ahead and storing)
- Potato chip scooper (optional, but could be a fun addition for serving)
- Hamburger bun warmer or steamer (optional, for bun preparation)
