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Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ultimate Homemade Sloppy Joes: Saucy, Hearty Family Delight

Experience the comforting flavors of Homemade Sloppy Joes with this quick and easy recipe, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Use canola or olive oil as alternatives for sautéing.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Enhances sauce richness; substituting with crushed tomatoes works too.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced You can also use minced garlic from a jar.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Provides a smoky flavor profile; regular paprika is a great substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds a mild heat, adjust to suit your taste.
  • teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Offers a hint of spice; omit for milder Sloppy Joes.
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with turkey or lentils for a lighter version.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 small Sweet Onion, diced Can be replaced with shallots or yellow onions.
  • 1 small Green Bell Pepper, diced Red or yellow bell peppers can add extra sweetness.
For the Liquid
  • 1 ½ cups Beef Stock Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Ketchup Opt for BBQ sauce for a different twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is a suitable substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce could work as an alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Maple syrup can also work well.
Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
  2. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in 1 diced small sweet onion and 1 diced small green bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in 1 ½ cups of beef stock, mixing in 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and let simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Serve the Sloppy Joes on your choice of buns.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider making the sauce a day in advance for enhanced flavors. Store properly to keep your Homemade Sloppy Joes delicious.

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