Sloppy Joes Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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