Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe combines seasoned ground beef with a rich, tangy tomato sauce, sweetened with brown sugar and barbecue sauce, creating a delicious filling served on soft buns. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, these sandwiches can be enhanced with melted cheese and pickles for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce (or use ketchup)
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Buns (whole wheat suggested)
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Pickles
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 finely diced sweet onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove the excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Sauces: Stir into the skillet 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well with the cooked beef.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare to Serve: Serve the hot sloppy joe mixture on whole wheat buns. For added flavor, top with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese and melt it in the oven if desired. Add pickles as a garnish.
- Recommended Sides: Pair the sandwiches with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and adds a slight heat; adjust based on preference.
- Substitute tomato sauce with ketchup if preferred for a sweeter flavor.
- Melting cheese on top adds richness and enhances the sandwich.
- Pickles add a tangy crunch that complements the savory filling.
- Drain excess fat to avoid greasy sloppy joes.
- Whole wheat buns provide a healthier option and better texture.
