Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes (Family Favorite Weeknight Dinner)

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Sloppy Joes are a timeless American classic recipe that has been a staple in households for generations. There’s something special about crafting your own homemade Sloppy Joe recipe from scratch! I am sharing my Grandma’s recipe with you today which I hold near and dear to my heart. She used ground beef and cooked it with onion, green pepper and garlic. She then stirred in ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar and a little hot sauce, and let it all simmer until the meat was tender and the sauce thickened. This nostalgic recipe is definitely a keeper and will continue being enjoyed for years to come!

My Grandma’s Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe: 

This recipe is near and dear to my heart. I have so many memories enjoying warm rolls with sloppy joes around my grandparents dinner table. This recipe truly does bring family together, at least it does for mine and my hope is that by sharing her recipe, you will find the comfort and connection in them, too!

Now, let’s dive into making the recipe! Here’s what you need to get you started. 

Ingredients: 

• Ground beef: The classic meat choice for the sloppy joe. The fat content of ground beef adds so much flavor. 
• Onion: another classic that’s added for flavor.
• Garlic: Like onion, it’s a classic staple ingredient to flavor the meat. 
• Green pepper: green pepper pairs well with ground beef and my grandma used it, so I have to use it, too!
• Ketchup: the base for the sauce. It’s important to have a sweet and salty sauce base.
• Yellow mustard: I like the kick the mustard gives to the overall dish. 
• Brown sugar: adding a little sweetness offsets the salt.
• Tobasco sauce: adds just a touch of spice.
• Water: water helps brings everything together and allows the meat to tenderize while simmering. 
• Salt and pepper: use as needed. I typically salt and pepper at the end. 
• Bread and butter pickles: my favorite pickle hands down. I love how it pairs with the the sloppy joe. 
• A good bun: a soft bun is perfect to soak up all the juices of the sloppy joe. 

Instructions:

Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let’s take a look at how to make the Sloppy Joe!

1.) In a large pot over medium heat, add diced onion and green pepper. Let cook for few minutes then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. 

2.) Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 

3.) Next, add the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce and water to the pot and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer 20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Taste for seasoning – add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve on a bun and enjoy!

Tips for Customizing This Sloppy Joe Recipe:

• Add extra vegetables. Feel free to add additional veggies such as diced celery, carrot, or mushrooms. They provide additional flavor and nutrition.
• Healthier substitutions: Use tomato sauce instead of ketchup and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
• Spice it up: Kick up the heat by adding additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes. 
• Try different meats. Traditional Sloppy Joes use ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try lentils.
• Get creative with toppings: Serve your sloppy Joes with shredded cheese, or even coleslaw for an added crunch. 
• Take a whole different approach and make Sloppy Joe Nachos, a Sloppy Joe Dog (on top of a hot dog) or serve over noodles. 

Sloppy Joes are much more than a sandwich to me – they’re a comforting reminder of simpler times and cherished family meals around my grandparent’s dinner table. I hope my Grandma’s Sloppy Joe Recipe brings as much joy to you as it does to me. I would love to see pictures of your own homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe! Please send me pictures, leave a comment or check out my Instagram page!

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Yield: 4-6

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (My Grandma's Recipe)

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Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich consisting of ground beef cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce along with dice green pepper, onion and garlic. Enjoy on a bun with a side of pickles.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 garlic cloves)
• 2 cups ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 5 dashes tobasco sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for skillet
• Buns
• Bread and butter pickles

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a large skillet or dutch oven and place over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper and garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
2. Next, add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat as it cooks.
3. Once the meat has browned, add ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, tobasco sauce, black pepper, water, and stir.
4. Turn heat down to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally for at least 20 minutes or until thickened. Taste for salt and pepper - add more to your liking. Serve on a bun with bread and butter pickles.

Notes

Great for leftovers! Can also freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in refrigerator over night and either microwave or re-heat in a large pot.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 605Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 1392mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 43g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated. Use as an approximation only.

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