Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. This recipe combines savory beef mince with a tangy, smoky sauce, perfect for piling onto soft burger buns. It’s an easy meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over. Transfer to a plate.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the onion and green pepper for 6-8 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and sugar, then return the mince and any juices to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Step 3: Pour in the malt vinegar, then stir through the ketchup and mustard. Add the beef stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and gently bubble the mixture for 15-20 minutes until thick and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Step 4: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan until golden. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve with chilli sauce, if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• You can swap beef mince for turkey or pork mince for a different flavor.
• Serve with melted cheese on top for extra richness.

Storage

Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight and warm in a pan until piping hot.

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 made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to maintain flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic granules?

Absolutely. Use 1-2 minced garlic cloves in place of the granules, adding them with the onion and pepper to soften.

Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Sloppy Joe recipe featuring browned beef mince simmered with onions, green pepper, and a zesty blend of spices, vinegar, and ketchup. Served on toasted burger buns, this classic American comfort food is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped

Spices and Sauces

• 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

Others

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned all over. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Using the same pan, heat the remaining oil and fry the finely chopped onion and green pepper for 6-8 minutes until softened.
3. Add spices and return beef: Sprinkle the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar over the softened vegetables. Return the browned beef mince and any resting juices back into the pan, stirring well to combine. Let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Incorporate vinegar and condiments: Splash in the malt vinegar, then stir in the ketchup and Dijon mustard (or mustard powder) evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Simmer the mixture: Pour in the beef stock, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Toast and serve: Toast the split burger buns in a hot pan. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and top with chilli sauce, if desired, before serving.

Notes

• For freezing, allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months.
• Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating in a pan until piping hot.
• Can be served with cheese or pickles for extra flavor.

Keywords: sloppy joes, beef mince, burger buns, American comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe