Instead of using canned sauce, try these homemade sloppy joes! They definitely are the best rendition of a childhood favorite!
I’ve been thinking about family-friendly dinners as we approach the holiday season. Those dinners that your children always want to eat. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is number one on our list, followed by these Sloppy Joes! With two children of my own, I understand how frustrating it is to prepare a dinner only to have them turn up their noses and declare it “gross.” facepalm
I’ve always loved traditional sloppy joes. The sweet and savory mix, as well as the messiness of it all, is inherently rewarding! And I know you all enjoy them since I’ve received numerous requests for sloppy joe recipes.
I’ve been making a lot of sloppy joe recipes lately, trying to find the right one. Some were very sweet, while others were overly hot. I finally got it, people. The ideal equilibrium. This sweet, acidic, spicy, and delicious sloppy joe dish has the right texture and consistency.
HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES AT HOME
Homemade sloppy joes are really simple to make and can be done in one skillet in about 20 minutes. Browned beef is cooked in a sweetened tomato/ketchup sauce with onion and green pepper. Finding the appropriate flavor for the sauce is the key!
WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A MANWICH AND A SLOPPY JOES?
Manwich is technically a pre-made sauce used to make sloppy joes. I’m not sure what’s in it, and I’ve never eaten it, so I can’t say whether or not my recipe tastes similar. Manwich is touted as an easy way to make sloppy joes… however homemade sloppy joes are JUST as simple!
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup minced green bell pepper
1/2 large yellow onion, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
ketchup, 2/3 cup
a third of a cup of water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
14 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional) dash hot sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and oil over MED/MED-HIGH heat. Brown the meat, breaking it up into crumbles while it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion and bell pepper are tender. Cook for 30 seconds, or until the garlic is aromatic. Return the steak to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste. Stir thoroughly.
Combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper in a mixing bowl. To blend, stir everything together thoroughly.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your taste, over MED heat. Take off the heat and serve with toasted buns.
