Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
This Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe is miles away from ordinary. Ketchup and spices add loads of flavor, and dinner's ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef I like 88%
- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/4 cups ketchup, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer for Flavor: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
- Toast the Buns (Optional but Amazing): Butter the cut sides of 6 hamburger buns and toast them in a hot skillet or oven until golden and crisp.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over toasted buns. Serve immediately and dig in!
Video
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: Cook the meat and sauce mixture up to 2 days ahead. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Sloppy Joe filling freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat with a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 282cal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 738mg | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg