Classic Sloppy Joes
A messy and delicious pile of seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, served on a toasted bun. This iconic American sandwich is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, ideal for casual weeknights or barbecues.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3/4 cup diced green pepper seeds removed
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 teaspoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the meat over medium heat until almost browned, then add the onion, green pepper, celery and diced garlic.
- Cook on medium-low until onions are clear and vegetables are crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over hamburger buns
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal | Protein: 16g | Fat: 21g | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 917mg | Sugar: 2g
Sloppy Joe Variations
1. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- Use small slider buns instead of regular hamburger buns.
2. Sloppy Joe Casserole
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional, for creamier casserole)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Prepare Sloppy Joe mixture. If using, stir in cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Arrange biscuit dough on top.
- Bake according to biscuit package directions, or until biscuits are golden brown.
3. Sloppy Joe Dip
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or baguette slices for serving
- Prepare Sloppy Joe mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or baguette slices.
4. Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Prepare Sloppy Joe mixture. You can add cooked rice to the meat mixture if desired.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese, if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
5. Sloppy Joe Lettuce Wraps
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- Large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine), washed and separated
- Prepare Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture into lettuce leaves.
6. Sloppy Joe Pizza
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Preheat oven according to pizza crust directions.
- Spread Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over pizza crust.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake according to pizza crust directions, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese
Follow the Classic Sloppy Joe recipe
- Prepared mac and cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- Prepare Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Serve Sloppy Joe mixture over mac and cheese.
8. Gourmet Sloppy Joes
- Use high-quality ground beef (e.g., ground sirloin).
- Add finely diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the meat mixture.
- Use a homemade tomato sauce instead of canned.
- Use a higher-quality bun, such as brioche or pretzel buns.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for extra flavor.
9. Ultimate Sloppy Joes
- Combine ground beef with ground pork or sausage for a richer flavor.
- Add bacon, cooked and crumbled, to the meat mixture.
- Use a variety of sauces, such as ketchup, chili sauce, and barbecue sauce, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, onions, pickles, or coleslaw.
- Serve on toasted brioche buns.