Are you craving a quick, comforting, and undeniably delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Sloppy Joe recipe, inspired by the many enthusiastic posts on Reddit, is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Forget takeout – this homemade version is surprisingly easy, packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a staple in our house, and it's sure to become a staple in yours too!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. No need for fancy grocery store trips!
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This Sloppy Joe recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners.
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by sautéing the chopped onion and green bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your Sloppy Joes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on hamburger buns. You can add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
Cooking Tips for Sloppy Joe Success:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe, increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Feel free to use different types of ground meat – ground turkey or chicken works well too.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Try these fun variations:
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the simmering mixture.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Incorporate a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onions and bell peppers.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy Sloppy Joe recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a quick and satisfying lunch. It's the kind of recipe you'll want to make again and again, and it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Enjoy!