Description
Hearty sloppy joes deliver classic comfort with rich, tangy beef nestled between toasted buns. Messy, delicious flavors promise a quick family meal that satisfies hunger and creates memorable moments at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, adds sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and richness)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances acidity, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon) (adds tanginess)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Serving Ingredients:
- 4–6 hamburger buns (toasted for extra flavor!)
- Melted butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Instructions
- Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet, bringing the temperature to a lively medium-high heat.
- Introduce ground beef to the sizzling pan, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon while ensuring an even golden-brown sear throughout.
- If an abundance of rendered fat accumulates, carefully tilt and drain the excess to maintain a lean preparation.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic into the caramelized meat, allowing the aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Gently sauté the vegetable medley, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients meld together and the vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Continue cooking until the beef develops a rich, deep color and the vegetables reach a delicate, almost melting consistency, creating a harmonious flavor profile for your sloppy joe base.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce extra grease and create a cleaner sauce texture.
- Dice vegetables finely for even cooking and better distribution throughout the meat mixture.
- Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 46
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg