Sloppy Joes

Ground Beef in a Tangy Sauce Served in a Bun.

Sloppy Joes:

This Sloppy Joes recipe is a classic, comfort food favorite, featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, served on a soft burger bun. It’s messy, delicious, and perfect for a quick weeknight lunch!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Burger buns (4-6 depending on size)
• Pickles (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce:

• Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and smoked paprika.
• Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

4. Season and Adjust:

• Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar; for extra tang, add more vinegar.

5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

• Lightly toast the burger buns in a pan or under the broiler for extra crunch, if desired.
• Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
• Add a few pickles on top, if desired, then place the top bun over the filling.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve the Sloppy Joes hot with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad.

Tips & suggestions:

• For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or jalapeños to the sauce.
• For a healthier version, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• To make it vegetarian, use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.

Enjoy your meal!