I love Sloppy Joes! They’re a classic American dish that’s easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create delicious Sloppy Joes from scratch using simple ingredients. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is perfect for you.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor of Sloppy Joes, and it’s a great way to get them to eat more veggies.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 4-6 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: chopped carrots, celery for added nutrition
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns.
Serving Suggestions
- Baked Fries: Serve with baked French fries or sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
- Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Pickles: Add sliced pickles on top for extra flavor.
Tips for Customization
- Spicy Version: Add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Veggie-Packed: Include diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Leaner Option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
FAQs
Q: Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply reheat and serve.
Q: How do I make Sloppy Joes vegetarian?
A: Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q: Can I use different types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile. Enjoy your delicious homemade Sloppy Joes!
