Hey, Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sloppy Joe through Beyond the Bayou Blog. I still remember the first time I made them. It was a busy weeknight, and I was craving something comforting, but I didn’t have a lot of time or energy to spend in the kitchen.
So, I decided to whip up a batch of Sloppy Joe. As I browned the ground beef and sauteed the onions and peppers, my kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma. And when I finally took that first bite of my homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich, it was like a warm hug for my taste buds. Since then, Sloppy Joe have become a regular staple in my meal rotation, and I love experimenting with different variations.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than these Sloppy Joe. Afterwords you can also try Creamy Pesto Sauce and Tartar Sauce to enhance your Hamburger. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Now, let’s get cooking.
What is Sloppy Joe?
Sloppy Joe is a tasty American dish that’s like a messy, delicious cousin of the hamburger. It’s made with ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, and a saucy mixture typically containing ingredients like ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. This flavorful concoction is then piled onto a soft hamburger bun.
The name “sloppy” perfectly describes this sandwich because when you take a bite, the sauce tends to spill out, making it a bit messy but oh-so-yummy. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, loved by both kids and adults alike. These are often served at gatherings like picnics and parties because they’re tasty, filling, and easy to make in big batches.
Overview: How to make Sloppy Joe Recipe?
To make this, start by browning one pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. While it’s cooking, chop up half an onion and half a bell pepper. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they’re softened, usually about 5 minutes.
Next, add the sauce ingredients. Pour in one cup of ketchup, half a cup of tomato sauce, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, two teaspoons of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together well.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Once it’s done simmering, spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot. You can add cheese slices, pickles, or any other toppings you like. Enjoy your deliciously messy Sloppy Joes.
sloppy Joe Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped 1/2 onion and 1/2 bell pepper to the skillet; cook until softened.
- Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Optional: Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joes.
Notes
Nutrition
Prevent Sloppy Joe Mixture from being too watery!
To prevent its mixture from becoming too watery, several strategies can be employed. Firstly, after browning the ground beef, draining excess grease can help minimize the liquid content. Additionally, sauteing the onions and peppers until they release their moisture and become tender before adding other ingredients can prevent the mixture from becoming overly watery. When adding the sauce ingredients, using tomato paste or a thicker tomato sauce can help in thickening the mixture. Simmering the mixture uncovered for a longer duration allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.
Furthermore, incorporating ingredients like breadcrumbs or finely crushed crackers can absorb excess liquid and contribute to a thicker texture. It’s also essential to avoid adding too much additional liquid, such as water or broth, unless necessary for desired consistency. By employing these methods, you can achieve a Sloppy Joe mixture with a desirable thickness and consistency, minimizing excess wateriness.
Time for the Tips!
1. Texture preference: If you prefer a chunkier Sloppy Joe, you can leave the onions and peppers in larger pieces. For a smoother texture, finely chop them.
2. Make it ahead: This mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
3. Freezing: This mixture freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Recipe?
What to do with Leftover?
- Reheat and Serve: Simply reheat the leftover mixture in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, then serve it on hamburger buns for another quick and easy meal.
- Sloppy Joe Pizza: Use the leftover mixture as a topping for homemade pizza. Spread it over pizza dough, add cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden for a delicious twist.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a flavorful stuffed pepper dish.
- Sloppy Joe Pasta: Mix the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture with cooked pasta for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish. Add some cheese on top for extra indulgence.
- Freeze for Later: If you’re not planning to use the leftovers right away, portion them into airtight containers and freeze for later use. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Sloppy Joes vegetarian?
A: Yes, You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or a mix of vegetables such as mushrooms and lentils to create a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of Sloppy Joes?
A: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder or other spicy ingredients like hot sauce or cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
Q: What are some creative toppings for Sloppy Joes?
A: Some creative toppings for Sloppy Joes include sliced avocado, pickles, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or coleslaw. Experiment with different toppings to add variety and flavor to your Sloppy Joes.
Q: How do I make Sloppy Joes less messy to eat?
A: You can make Sloppy Joes less messy by toasting the hamburger buns before serving or by using sturdier buns that can hold up to the sauce without getting soggy too quickly. Additionally, you can serve Sloppy Joes with a knife and fork for easier eating.