Sloppy Joes
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Sloppy Joes are one of those classic, go-to comfort meals that can be whipped up quickly for a satisfying dinner. While I love making my mom’s traditional sloppy joes, I can’t help but experiment with different variations. As my husband always jokes, I “can’t leave well enough alone.”
Trying new recipes and putting my own twist on them keeps things exciting in the kitchen—after all, variety is the spice of life, right? This particular recipe was adapted from the June/July issue of Simple and Delicious, and it’s a hit because it uses ingredients I always have on hand, making it both convenient and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients to Make Sloppy Joes
- GROUND BEEF
- CANNED PETITE DICED TOMATOES WITH CHIPOTLE CHILIES
- TOMATO PASTE
- KETCHUP
- BROWN SUGAR
- SPICY BROWN MUSTARD
- SALT
- HAMBURGER BUNS
How to Make Sloppy Joes
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt. This combination of ingredients creates a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the sauce will thicken slightly as it heats through.
Once the mixture is heated through and thickened, spoon the sloppy joe filling onto buns and serve immediately. This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or casual gathering. Enjoy these easy and delicious Sloppy Joes for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, Sloppy Joes can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the ground beef and sauce as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve on buns.
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe meat?
Absolutely! Cooked Sloppy Joe meat freezes well. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What type of ground beef should I use?
You can use any type of ground beef, but lean ground beef (such as 85% lean) is recommended to reduce the amount of grease. If you use a fattier cut, be sure to drain off the excess fat after cooking to avoid a greasy sauce.
Can I make these sloppy joes with something other than ground beef?
Yes, you can make Sloppy Joes with other types of meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as substitutes for ground beef. Each choice will slightly change the flavor, but the dish will still be delicious and easy to make.
What sides go well with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes pair well with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, potato chips, French fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with baked beans or roasted vegetables.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Sloppy Joes
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 14 ½ oz can petite diced tomatoes, undrained I like to use the ones with chipotle chilies
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- 8 sandwich buns split
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve on buns. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition
