Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Sloppy Joe Sandwich is a classic comfort food that is quick and easy to make for lunch or dinner. It consists of minced beef cooked in a sweet and savoury tomato sauce served on soft buns. This recipe uses simple pantry staples that most people already have at home. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your own taste if you prefer it more spicy or sweet.
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Why sloppy joe sandwich is a good choice

This Sloppy Joe Sandwich is a great choice when you need a fast meal that the whole family will enjoy. The beef is cooked until tender and the sauce is thick enough to stay in the bun while still being juicy. It is much better than using a canned sauce because you can control the salt and sugar levels. You can easily double the recipe if you are feeding a larger group of people.

Follow these 4 steps for sloppy joe sandwich

Step 1
Brown the beef: Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook the meat until it is browned all over and no pink parts remain. Break up any large lumps with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan before moving on to the next step.
Step 2
Add the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the pan with the beef. Fry them for about five minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells fragrant. Make sure the vegetables do not burn during this process.
Step 3
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the ketchup and add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir everything together well so the meat and vegetables are fully coated. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about five to ten minutes until the sauce has thickened. This creates the classic texture of a Sloppy Joe Sandwich.
Step 4
Serve the sandwiches: Cut the burger buns in half and toast them slightly if you like a bit of crunch. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Place the top bun on and serve immediately while the filling is still hot. You can serve them with a side of coleslaw or some simple potato chips.

Tips and tricks for sloppy joe sandwich

To get the best texture for your Sloppy Joe Sandwich, make sure to simmer the sauce until it is thick and glossy. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen it up. Toasting the buns is a simple way to prevent them from becoming soggy too quickly from the sauce. You can also add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the hot meat if you like it extra creamy.

For a bit of extra heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This recipe also works well if you make the meat filling in advance and reheat it just before serving.

You can also try these recipes: skyr with granola, cold-smoked salmon or chicken stir-fry.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g minced beef
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 200 ml ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 4 burger buns

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2218 kJ / 530 kcal
  • Fat:22 g
  • - of which saturates:8 g
  • Carbohydrates:48 g
  • - of which sugars:18 g
  • Protein:32 g
  • Fibre:3 g
  • Salt:1.2 g

People also ask

You can keep the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It is best to store the buns separately so they do not get wet. When you are ready to eat, reheat the meat in a pan or microwave and then assemble your Sloppy Joe Sandwich.
Yes, the beef filling for a Sloppy Joe Sandwich freezes very well for up to three months. Let the mixture cool completely before placing it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it through on the hob before serving in fresh buns.
Soft white burger buns or brioche buns are the most traditional choices for this meal. They are sturdy enough to hold the saucy meat but soft enough to bite through easily. If you want something different, you can also use crusty rolls or even sliced bread for your sandwich.
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4.8 / 5 - (14 ratings)