Sloppy Joes

Relive the nostalgic joy of a Sloppy Joe, elevated to ultimate status with our recipe featuring slow-caramelized onions and peppers for deep sweetness, smoked paprika for subtle smokiness, and toasted brioche buns for a delightful contrast – a comforting yet sophisticated sandwich perfect for easy weeknight meals, game days, or flavorful meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup minced green bell pepper
  • ¾ cup minced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 4-6 brioche or potato buns

Caramelize the Veggies:

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ¾ cup minced onion and ½ cup minced bell pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened.

  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the Beef:

  1. Increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking into crumbles. Cook 5 minutes until no pink remains. Drain fat.

Build Flavor:

  1. Stir in 1 Tbsp tomato paste, coating the meat.
  2. Add 2/3 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup water, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp Worcestershire, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well.

Simmer:

  1. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Toast the Buns:

  1. While the mixture simmers, butter the cut sides of buns and toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Serve:

  1. Spoon mixture onto toasted buns. Add hot sauce if desired.