A Sloppy Joe sandwich is a classic American comfort food made with ground beef (or other ground meats) cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, typically served on a hamburger bun. Here’s a simple recipe for making Sloppy Joe sandwiches:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Butter or margarine for toasting the buns (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper (if using) until the meat is browned and cooked through. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Flavor:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the tomato ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat.
- Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined with the meat and vegetables.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Toast the Buns (Optional):
- While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, you can optionally toast the hamburger buns. Spread a little butter or margarine on the cut sides of the buns and place them face down in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until they become golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is ready and has reached your desired consistency, spoon it onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve:
- Serve the Sloppy Joe sandwiches immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, pickles, or potato chips.
Sloppy Joe sandwiches are known for their deliciously messy nature, so be sure to have some napkins on hand when you dig in! Enjoy this classic American comfort food.