Are you craving a comforting, classic meal that's ready in a flash? Then look no further! This Sloppy Joes recipe, inspired by the queen of quick and easy meals herself, Rachael Ray, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this dish delivers big on flavor without sacrificing speed or simplicity. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a satisfying solo meal. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delicious and incredibly easy recipe.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for the Sloppy Joes.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using green bell pepper, add it now and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes:
- Toast those buns!: Toasting the buns adds a delightful crunch and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Spice it up!: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Get creative with the meat!: Experiment with different ground meats like chicken or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes: Increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the ketchup and tomato sauce.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This easy and delicious Sloppy Joes recipe is a perfect example of how quick dinner ideas don't have to compromise on taste or satisfaction. Enjoy this comforting classic, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! Happy cooking!