Description
Hearty Midwestern Sloppy Joes combine savory ground beef with tangy tomato sauce, nestled between toasted burger buns for a classic comfort meal. Messy, delicious sandwich perfection promises to satisfy hungry diners with bold flavors and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Serving Components:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: shredded cheese
- Optional: pickles
- Optional: coleslaw
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef by heating a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil. Crumble and cook the meat until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked through. Carefully drain any excess rendered fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
- Introduce finely chopped onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
- Craft the signature sloppy joe sauce by combining tangy tomato sauce, classic ketchup, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, deep brown sugar, zesty apple cider vinegar, and an optional splash of fiery hot sauce. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding the complex flavors and gradually thickening to a perfect consistency.
- Calibrate the seasoning by carefully tasting the sauce and adjusting with salt and pepper. Experiment with additional brown sugar for enhanced sweetness or extra vinegar for a more pronounced tang. Continue simmering to concentrate the flavors and develop a rich, harmonious sauce.
- Transform hamburger buns into the ultimate comfort food vessel by generously spooning the savory meat mixture onto the bottom half. Crown with the top bun and present alongside complementary sides like crisp golden fries, crunchy potato chips, or a vibrant, fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the classic dish.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary variations like low-fat or vegetarian options.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a richer taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg