Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy joes are a classic, hearty sandwich featuring a savory beef mixture simmered in a tangy sauce. This easy recipe combines tender minced beef with flavorful spices and a rich sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or ½ tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring until it is browned all over. Transfer the cooked mince to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Fry the chopped onion and green pepper for 6-8 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and sugar, then return the browned mince and any juices to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
3. Step 3: Splash in the malt vinegar, then stir through the ketchup and Dijon mustard (or mustard powder). Pour over the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan. Fill each bun with the sloppy joe mixture and add chilli sauce if you like. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili to the sauce as it simmers.
• Swap beef mince for turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms with the onion and pepper for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, divide into portions and freeze for up to three months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in a pan until piping hot. Toast buns fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for longer. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

What can I serve with sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes go well with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

A classic comfort food recipe for Sloppy Joes featuring flavorful beef mince simmered with a medley of spices, vegetables, and a tangy sauce, served hot on toasted burger buns for a satisfying and hearty meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped

Seasonings and Sauce

• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock

Serving

• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble the beef mince into the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and stirring until it is browned evenly all over. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan. Add the finely chopped onion and green pepper and fry for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Combine: Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and light brown soft sugar into the pan with the softened vegetables. Return the browned beef mince and any juices that have accumulated back to the pan. Stir everything together well and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the malt vinegar, then stir through the ketchup and Dijon mustard (or mustard powder). Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and season with salt or pepper if needed.
5. Prepare to Serve: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan until lightly browned. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the buns. Add optional chilli sauce according to taste and serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
6. Freezing Instructions: Allow any leftover sloppy joe mixture to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or divide into freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months. To use, defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan until piping hot.

Notes

• You can substitute beef mince with turkey or plant-based mince for different variations.
• Adjust the amount of chilli sauce to suit your spice preference or omit it for a milder flavor.
• For extra tanginess, a splash more malt vinegar can be added during cooking.
• To make the dish gluten-free, ensure buns and ketchup do not contain gluten or substitute with gluten-free alternatives.
• This recipe freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep and quick meals later on.

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Beef mince recipe, Easy dinner, Comfort food, American sandwich