Sloppy Joes Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dig into a comforting American classic that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious? The Sloppy Joe is one of those hearty, family-friendly meals that never goes out of style. Originating in the early 20th century—most say from Sioux City, Iowa—this saucy sandwich has made its way into countless homes and school cafeterias. It’s a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and warmth in every bite.

Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. All of it is piled high on soft, butter-toasted buns that soak up that rich, savory sauce without falling apart. 🍔✨ The result? A meal that’s delightfully messy (hence the “sloppy”!) but oh-so-worth it.

Whether you’re whipping up dinner for the kids, feeding a crowd, or just craving a taste of old-fashioned comfort, these homemade Sloppy Joes will hit the spot. Pair them with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Let’s bring this American diner favorite right into your kitchen, the traditional way. ❤️🇺🇸

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Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup for a sweeter version)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional for a mild kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For serving:

• 4 soft hamburger buns
• Butter for toasting
• Pickles (optional, for topping)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare your base:
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant.
2. Brown the beef:
   Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add garlic and seasonings:
   Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, mustard, and chili powder. Cook for another 30 seconds to release all those lovely aromas. 🌶️
4. Build the sauce:
   Add tomato sauce (or ketchup), tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything into a rich, saucy mixture.
5. Simmer to perfection:
   Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat beautifully.
6. Toast the buns:
   While the sauce simmers, butter the inside of each bun and toast them on a skillet until golden brown. This helps prevent sogginess when the filling goes in. 🧈
7. Assemble and serve:
   Spoon generous portions of the hot beef mixture onto the bottom buns. Add pickles if you like, then cap with the top bun. Press gently and serve immediately.
8. Optional extra touch:
   Sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top before serving for a cheesy twist. 🧀

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 410
🍽️ Servings: 4

These homemade Sloppy Joes provide a balance of protein and carbs with just enough healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg

You can make it healthier by using lean ground turkey, whole wheat buns, and reducing the sugar slightly—without sacrificing flavor.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️