Savory Family-Style Sloppy Joes
Indulge in these Savory Family-Style Sloppy Joes that are guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table. This hearty recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a tangy, sweet sauce, all nestled in soft sandwich buns. Perfect for casual lunches, snack time, or a cozy dinner, these Sloppy Joes are not just a meal; they're a tradition waiting to be shared. Serve with your favorite side dishes and watch your family come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 lbs (freshly ground)
onion
1 large (chopped)
ketchup
1 1/4 cups (homestyle preferred)
water
1/2 cup (room temperature)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (distilled)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
sandwich buns
8 (standard-size)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain off any excess grease.
2
To the skillet, add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, ground mustard, chili powder, and allspice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Spoon the savory mixture generously onto sandwich buns and serve warm. Enjoy your delightful, mess-free meal!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Family-Style Sloppy Joes?
Savory Family-Style Sloppy Joes are a hearty meal consisting of perfectly seasoned ground beef in a tangy and sweet sauce served on soft sandwich buns.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people, as indicated by the 8 sandwich buns listed in the ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients in these sloppy joes?
The main ingredients are ground beef, onion, ketchup, water, brown sugar, white vinegar, and a blend of spices including chili powder and allspice.
How should I cook the ground beef and onion?
Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.
Do I need to drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef and onion to ensure the sauce has the best consistency.
What spices are used for seasoning?
This recipe uses a flavorful mix of salt, dry ground mustard, chili powder, and freshly ground allspice.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
How long does the mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stove or in a slow cooker when you are ready to serve.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can the sloppy joe mixture be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What kind of buns work best for this meal?
Standard-size sandwich buns are recommended, but you can also use brioche buns or slider buns for smaller portions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being child-friendly and great for picky eaters due to its sweet and tangy flavor profile.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving of these sloppy joes provides 20g of protein.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
There are 20g of fat per serving in this sloppy joe recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in one sloppy joe?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5g of carbohydrates.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped bell peppers, celery, or carrots during the browning process for added nutrition and texture.
What side dishes pair well with sloppy joes?
Common side dishes include potato chips, French fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple garden salad.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add a dash of hot sauce, or include some diced jalapeños during the cooking process.
What does the white vinegar do in this recipe?
The white vinegar provides a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or white sugar as a substitute, though brown sugar provides a specific depth of flavor.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onion?
If you don't have fresh onion, you can use 1 tablespoon of onion powder, though fresh onion is preferred for texture.
Why is water added to the sauce?
Water is added to help thin the sauce so it can simmer for a long period without burning, allowing the beef to become tender.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, you can lightly toast the inside of the sandwich buns before spooning on the meat mixture.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the meat generously without running off the bun too quickly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The meat mixture is gluten-free if you use gluten-free ketchup and spices; however, you must serve it on gluten-free buns.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double or triple. Just ensure you use a large enough pot to accommodate the extra volume.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is finished when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the mixture is heated through after its 30-minute simmer.