Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This version combines savory beef mince with a tangy, smoky sauce that’s great served on toasted burger buns. It’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1⁄2 tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and fry for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring until browned all over. Transfer the cooked mince to a plate.
2. Step 2: Heat the remaining oil in the same pan. Add the chopped onion and green pepper and fry for 6–8 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Return the browned mince and any resting juices to the pan, mixing everything together. Cook for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the malt vinegar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard (or mustard powder). Stir well, then pour in the beef stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and gently bubble the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and season if necessary.
6. Step 6: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve with chilli sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Try using turkey mince instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Add some grated cheese on top of the filling for a gooey finish.
• Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and freshness.

Storage

Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm through in a pan until piping hot. Toast burger buns fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I use instead of malt vinegar?

If you don’t have malt vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good substitutes that will add a similar tangy flavor.

Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

A classic and hearty Sloppy Joes recipe featuring savory beef mince cooked with onions, green pepper, and a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on toasted burger buns. This comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal and can be frozen for convenient leftovers.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1⁄2 tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef mince: Heat half of the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and fry for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring until the mince is browned evenly. Remove the browned mince from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and green pepper, frying them for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add spices and combine: Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar. Return the cooked mince along with any juices back to the pan, stirring everything together. Let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
4. Prepare the sauce: Splash in the malt vinegar, then stir through the ketchup and Dijon mustard (or mustard powder). Pour over the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and gently bubble the mixture for 15-20 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Toast the buns and serve: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan until golden. Fill the buns with the sloppy joe mixture and top with chilli sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
7. Freezing instructions: Allow leftover sloppy joe mixture to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container or portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight and warm in a pan until piping hot.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add finely chopped fresh chillies or extra smoked paprika.
• You can substitute beef mince with turkey or plant-based mince for variation.
• Make sure to break up the mince well so it cooks evenly and has a nice texture.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if not freezing.
• Toast buns just before serving to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess.

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, beef mince recipe, sandwich, quick dinner, classic American, easy comfort food