How to Make Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich
Relish the nostalgia of “Timeless Comfort: Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich,” a beloved dish that brings together savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness all piled onto a soft bun. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful sandwich, this classic Sloppy Joe recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love Classic Sloppy Joes:
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and fast preparation make this a go-to meal.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making it a great family meal.
- Versatile: Can be served on buns, over rice, or even on baked potatoes.
Ingredients Notes For Classic Sloppy Joes:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef for a less greasy sandwich.
- Onion and Bell Pepper: Finely chopped for added flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Minced for an extra layer of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- Mustard: For a slight tang and depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Buns: Soft hamburger buns for serving.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve hot.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
How to Make Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil optional, if needed for cooking
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese pickles, or coleslaw
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and coat the ground beef well.
Prepare the Buns:
- While the mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This step is optional but helps prevent the buns from becoming too soggy.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Add any desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
Serve:
- Serve the Sloppy Joe sandwiches hot, with your favorite sides like French fries, a green salad, or potato chips.
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