Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone Recipe for Dinner Delights

Crafting the ultimate smokey sloppy joe and provolone requires a dash of culinary magic that transforms an ordinary meal.

Comfort food enthusiasts know this dish packs a punch of flavor that lingers deliciously.

My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled incredible when these savory sandwiches were simmering on the stove.

Bold spices and rich meat create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each bite promises a hearty experience that connects you to classic American cooking traditions.

Melted provolone adds a creamy dimension that elevates this classic recipe from good to unforgettable.

We’re about to embark on a delectable journey that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Why Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone Hits the Spot

• This recipe turns ordinary ground beef into an exciting, flavor-packed meal that transforms boring dinner routines in just 30 minutes.
• The smoky spice blend and melted Provolone cheese upgrade the traditional sloppy joe, creating a gourmet twist on a beloved childhood favorite that feels both familiar and sophisticated.
• Flexible toppings like pickles or coleslaw let home cooks personalize each sandwich, making it perfect for families with different taste preferences and ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want.
• Using just one skillet for the entire cooking process means less washing up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

What You Need to Make Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful meat that forms the hearty foundation of the sloppy joe mixture. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and more meat texture.
• Provolone Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy richness to the sandwich. Sharp provolone provides more intense flavor.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat base. Fresh onions provide the best flavor.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: Creates the classic sloppy joe sauce base with tangy sweetness. Use quality tomato products for best results.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami and depth to the sauce. Provides subtle background flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers signature smoky flavor and rich color. Use high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Chili Powder: Brings warm, mild heat to the mixture. Adjust for personal spice preference.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with subtle sweetness. Adds depth and caramelization.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle spicy kick. Use sparingly for controlled heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for overall flavor enhancement.

• Sandwich Rolls: Base for holding the sloppy joe filling. Choose soft yet sturdy rolls.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and meat. Provides initial cooking fat.
• Butter: Helps toast buns to golden crispness.

Steps for Assembling a Sloppy Joe Provolone Sandwich

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking until completely browned.

Step 2: Build Flavor Profile

• Smoked Paprika
• Chili Powder
• Brown Sugar
• Cayenne Pepper
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Stir spices into the meat and cook for two minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.

Step 3: Create Saucy Goodness

• Tomato Sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire Sauce

Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and develops deep flavor complexity.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Buns

Lightly butter sandwich rolls. Toast in a skillet or under broiler until edges turn golden and crisp.

Step 5: Melt and Assemble

Spoon hot meat mixture onto bottom bun halves. Layer a slice of Provolone cheese on top. Place under broiler for one to two minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove sandwiches from broiler. Add optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw. Complete with top bun. Serve immediately with crispy fries or fresh salad.

Helpful Tips for a Flavorful Sloppy Joe Experience

• Boost Meat Flavor: Toast whole spices before grinding to intensify the smoky, rich taste of your sloppy joe mixture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce slowly to achieve a perfect thick texture without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap Provolone with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles and personalized sandwich experiences.
• Choose Lean Protein: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create a lighter version of this classic comfort dish without sacrificing taste.
• Freeze for Quick Meals: Prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, allowing easy weeknight dinner preparation.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Smokey Sloppy Joe

• Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the mixture completely before sealing.
• Transfer cooled filling to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, the mixture will keep for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches to prevent soggy buns.
• Warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if the mixture seems dry.
• Heat the sloppy joe filling in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Check the temperature and serve on freshly toasted buns with melted cheese.

Sides That Pair Perfectly With This Sandwich

• Grab an amber ale or smoky porter to match the rich, spicy flavors of the sloppy joe, enhancing the meat's deep smokiness and balancing the sweetness.
• Serve alongside crisp coleslaw or tangy pickle spears to cut through the sandwich's richness and provide a zesty, crunchy contrast.
• Choose a medium-bodied red like zinfandel or malbec, which can stand up to the robust meat and complement the smoky-sweet sauce profile.
• Plate with golden, seasoned french fries or sweet potato wedges to create a classic comfort food experience that satisfies hearty appetites.

Fun Ideas for Switching Up the Sloppy Joe

• Vegetarian Joe: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives. Maintain the same spice blend and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sandwich rolls or lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute sandwich rolls with large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly approach. Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as a side dish to keep the meal low-carbohydrate.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace Provolone cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Choose plant-based margarine instead of butter when toasting the buns to eliminate dairy completely.

Smokey Sloppy Joe And Provolone Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone sliders blend bold flavors from hearty beef to melted cheese. Comfort meets excitement in this classic American sandwich that promises to satisfy hungry guests with its rich, savory profile.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Bread and Cheese:

• 4 sandwich rolls
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• Butter

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring even browning and complete cooking throughout the protein.
3. Infuse the meat with a robust blend of smoky spices: sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the liquids into the meat mixture, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop depth.
5. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens and transforms into a rich, cohesive filling with concentrated flavors.
6. Prepare sandwich rolls by lightly brushing with butter, then carefully toast until achieving a golden, crisp exterior that provides textural contrast to the tender filling.
7. Generously ladle the smoky meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted roll, ensuring an abundant serving that promises satisfaction.
8. Crown the filling with a slice of Provolone cheese, then briefly place under the broiler until the cheese melts into a luxurious, bubbling layer.
9. Finalize the sandwich by adding optional garnishes like tangy pickles or creamy coleslaw, then crown with the top bun half.
10. Serve immediately alongside crisp french fries or a fresh, vibrant salad for a complete and memorable meal experience.

Notes

• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust cayenne and chili powder amounts to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor experience without overwhelming spiciness.
• Meat Selection Flexibility: Choose leaner ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the recipe’s robust smoky profile.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of water or beef broth to achieve desired sloppy joe texture without losing rich flavor.
• Cheese Melting Technique: For perfectly melted provolone, ensure broiler is preheated and watch closely to prevent burning, aiming for a golden-brown, bubbly cheese surface.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg