Homemade Sloppy Joes
Hands down THE BEST sloppy joes made from scratch! So saucy, so hearty. Serve in hamburger buns for a quick dinner!
Let’s just say that sloppy joes aren’t just kid-friendly. They are 100% a family-favorite for EVERYONE including all grown-ups. I mean, saucy, tender ground beef goodness with a hint of sweetness served on toasted brioche buns? Yes, sign me up!
WHY MAKE SLOPPY JOES AT HOME?
- Fast. This comes together in lightening speed.
- Budget-friendly. Using ground beef, a dinnertime staple, this is just one of those budget-friendly weeknight heroes that is loved by both kids and grown ups.
- Adaptability. This recipe is so easy to double or triple for guests, making it perfect for a big party or tailgating season.
- Versatile. You can add in as little or as many veggies (carrots, mushrooms, zucchini or leafy greens) for a heartier sloppy joe.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
- Use lean ground beef. Use 90/10 ground beef or ground sirloin. With its lower fat content, there will be less excess fat to drain, less grease and more balanced textures.
- Use your favorite buns. Although hamburger and brioche buns are typically the most popular options, any vehicle of your choosing will work very well here such as pretzel buns or hot dog buns (a much more cleaner experience, and even more toddler-friendly!).
- Make-ahead. Sloppy joes is a great dish to make ahead of time, tasting even better as leftovers.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SLOPPY JOES
- Homemade Hamburger Buns
- Parmesan Zucchini and Corn
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Homemade Tater Tots
TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
Large cast iron skillet
HOMEMADE SLOPPY JOES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not at all! Ground pork, chicken or turkey can be used instead of ground beef. Ground lentils are also a great vegan option.
Zucchini, celery, carrots, mushrooms and leafy greens (such as kale or spinach) would be great additions. The vegetables cook down so the kids won’t even know they’re in there!
We love toasted brioche buns and our favorite homemade hamburger buns that we can pull out of the freezer in a pinch!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Yes! You can freeze the leftovers in individual freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop (adding a tablespoon of water as needed).
Recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Cast Iron Skillet
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in beef stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in ketchup, Dijon, Worcestershire and brown sugar; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have blended, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve immediately.
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