Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

Discover how to make Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Easy homemade Sloppy Joes are not just a convenient meal option but a delightful family favorite that balances simplicity with taste. This classic dish is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You have a meal ready in under 30 minutes.

With ground meat, a savory tomato sauce, onions, and a few spices, you can create a flavorful filling that has satisfied taste buds for generations. Brown the meat, stir in the sauce, and serve it on a soft bun, and you have a meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick lunch.

The sauce's delightful sweetness and savory notes create a mouthwatering blend that pleases both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. Additionally, leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick lunch option, ensuring that busy parents can continue providing delicious meals without a hassle.

You can create a dish that is lower in fat while still being high in protein.

Beyond their appealing taste and convenience, homemade Sloppy Joes also offer several health benefits that can be customized to suit nutritional needs. By using lean ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives, you can create a dish that is lower in fat while still being high in protein.

A wholesome meal that parents feel good about serving

Adding onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables enhances the flavor and increases the nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals. This dish encourages kids to enjoy their meals, as the sloppy, fun-to-eat nature of the sandwich is always a hit. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in vegetables without them even realizing it. When paired with whole-grain buns and a side of fresh veggies or a salad, Sloppy Joes can be a wholesome meal that parents feel good about serving, striking the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious.

Prep time:15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 T. extra virgin olive oil
½ medium white onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ lbs. ground beef (80% lean/20% fat (or greater)
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. tomato paste
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1-2 T. brown sugar (adjust amount depending on personal preference)
½ T. Dijon mustard
1 T. chili-garlic sauce*
4-6 Hamburger buns
2-3 T. unsalted butter melted

Vietnamese Chili Garlic Sauce: https://amzn.to/3SDCnhK

Serving Suggestions: Pickles, potato chips, French fries, and/or sweet potato fries

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add onion, minced garlic, and green pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and start to develop some color.

Add the ground beef and break into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Tip: To prevent flare ups, make sure no grease drips down the side of the skillet if cooking with gas heat.

Return to heat and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili garlic sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir thoroughly to combine. Simmer, uncovered, until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

While the meat simmers, place the top oven rack in the second from highest position and pre-heat the oven broiler to high. Open the hamburger buns and arrange on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Brush each surface with the melted butter and place the baking sheet under the broiler for several minutes, rotating once halfway through, or until the buns are golden brown.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon some of the warm meat sauce onto the bottom portion of each bun. Cover and serve immediately with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Here are some helpful tips and variations for making Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes:

Helpful Tips:

1. Choose the Right Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
2. Brown the Meat Well: Sauté the meat until it’s nicely browned to enhance the flavor. This caramelization adds depth to your Sloppy Joes.
3. Onion and Garlic: Adding finely chopped onions and minced garlic while browning the meat can deepen the flavor profile.
4. Seasoning: Beyond the basic salt and pepper, consider adding Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
5. Consistency: If your mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too watery, simmer it longer to reduce.
6. Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is where you can add a pinch of sugar, vinegar, or hot sauce to balance flavors.
7. Let It Rest: Letting your Sloppy Joe mixture sit for a few minutes can help the flavors meld together.
8. Self-Serve Style: Set up a Sloppy Joe bar with various toppings (cheddar cheese, pickles, jalapeños, etc.) for a fun serving idea.
9. Use Good Buns: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the filling without falling apart. Toasting the buns slightly can also add to their texture.

Variations:

1. BBQ Sloppy Joes: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
2. Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning and top with cheese and avocado, or serve in tortillas instead of buns.
3. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
4. Buffalo Sloppy Joes: Mix in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, and top with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
5. Sweet and Smoky: Add a bit of brown sugar and liquid smoke for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
6. Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Stir in shredded cheese towards the end or top the sandwiches with melted cheese for a creamy texture.
7. Asian-Style Sloppy Joes: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist, and top with slaw.
8. Curry Sloppy Joes: Mix in curry powder and coconut milk for an exciting flavor profile.
9. c: Layer the filling in a baking dish with tater tots and cheese, bake until golden for an easy casserole.

Feel free to mix and match these tips and variations to create your own perfect Sloppy Joes! Enjoy your cooking!

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