Description
Classic Sloppy Joes recipe featuring a flavorful ground beef mixture simmered in a tangy and sweet sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 Tablespoon butter (for buns)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook and crumble the meat until it is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Toast the Buns: While the meat mixture simmers, lightly butter the hamburger buns with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toast them under the broiler, watching closely to prevent burning, until golden and warm.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place the top halves over the meat and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns.
