Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
This timeless recipe for Sloppy Joes brings back the nostalgia of a hearty, flavorful meal that has been cherished by families for generations. Originally referred to as 'Mrs. McCann's Barbeque,' it was passed down to my family from a neighbor of my great-aunt's in the 1940s. Designed for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared with minimal effort yet yields maximum comfort. The use of ground round keeps the dish lean, while the sauce delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. While it’s delicious right off the stove, this dish becomes richer and more satisfying the longer it simmers.
6
Servings
320
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground round
1 1/2 lbs (none)
Catsup
3/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 small (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground round slowly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the salt and finely chopped onion, and continue to cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
2
2. While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauce: In a separate small saucepan, combine the catsup, sugar, mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture well and let it cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3
3. Once the meat is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. (Note: Using ground round will result in minimal fat.)
4
4. Add the prepared sauce to the drained meat in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5
5. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure that the meat fully absorbs the sauce.
6
6. Toast hamburger buns to your liking. Spoon the meat mixture over the toasted buns and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
24g
Carbs
22g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
17g
Sugar
500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this Sloppy Joe recipe?
This recipe, originally called 'Mrs. McCann's Barbeque,' was passed down from a neighbor of the creator's great-aunt in the 1940s.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of meat is recommended for these Sloppy Joes?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 lbs of ground round to keep the dish lean.
How long should the Sloppy Joe mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for at least one hour to allow the meat to fully absorb the sauce.
What are the ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce consists of catsup, sugar, mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 320 calories.
Is there a lot of fat to drain when using ground round?
No, using ground round results in minimal fat to drain after browning.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be finely chopped before being added to the meat.
How do you prepare the sauce before adding it to the meat?
Combine the sauce ingredients in a separate small saucepan and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of Sloppy Joes?
Each serving provides 22g of protein.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar, resulting in 17g of sugar per serving.
What is the recommended way to serve the meat mixture?
Spoon the warm meat mixture over toasted hamburger buns.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt added during the meat browning process.
How much mustard and vinegar are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of mustard and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is 500mg of sodium per serving.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I cook this quickly on a weeknight?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights with minimal effort, though it benefits from a long simmer.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 0.7g of fiber per serving.
What happens to the flavor the longer it simmers?
The dish becomes richer and more satisfying the longer it is allowed to simmer.
How much catsup is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of catsup.
At what heat should the meat be cooked?
The ground round should be cooked slowly over medium heat.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is there information on cholesterol?
The cholesterol data for this specific recipe is not provided.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include sloppy joes, comfort food, family recipe, ground beef, easy dinner, weeknight meal, and american classic.
When was the onion added to the cooking process?
The onion is added to the skillet while the meat is browning.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Should the hamburger buns be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe suggests toasting the hamburger buns to your liking before serving.
Is the sauce cooked separately from the meat initially?
Yes, the sauce is simmered in a separate saucepan for 15 minutes before being combined with the drained meat.