📝 About This Recipe
Tracing its roots back to the early 20th-century American midwest, the Sloppy Joe is the quintessential comfort food that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. This recipe elevates the humble sandwich with a rich, house-made tomato glaze, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of smoky spice. It is a messy, hearty, and nostalgic masterpiece that turns a simple pound of ground beef into a gourmet family favorite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef and Aromatics
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor)
- 1 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
The Signature Sauce
- 1 cup Ketchup (high-quality tomato ketchup)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder (for a mild depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
- to taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
For Serving
- 6 pieces Brioche Buns (split and buttered)
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickle Chips (for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
-
2
Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan for flavor. Push the beef to one side of the pan.
-
3
Add the tablespoon of butter to the empty side of the skillet. Once melted, stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper.
-
4
Sauté the vegetables with the beef for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened slightly.
-
5
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly and the garlic to become fragrant.
-
6
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
-
7
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, then add the beef broth. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
-
8
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
9
While the meat simmers, lightly butter the inside of the brioche buns and toast them in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
-
10
Taste the beef mixture and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer for 2 more minutes.
-
11
To assemble, scoop a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
-
12
Top with 3-4 pickle chips for a vinegary crunch, place the top bun on, and serve immediately while hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, use an 80/20 ground beef blend; the fat carries the flavor of the spices. Always toast your buns! A toasted bun creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Don't rush the simmering process—the 10-15 minutes on low heat is essential for the beef to absorb the tangy sauce. This mixture freezes exceptionally well; make a double batch and save half for an easy weeknight meal later.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of extra-crispy kettle-cooked potato chips for a classic texture contrast. Pair with a creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw to cut through the richness of the beef. Enjoy with a cold glass of sweetened iced tea or a crisp lager. A side of buttery corn on the cob or roasted potato wedges makes this a complete, filling meal. For a modern twist, add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of the meat before closing the bun.