Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary comfort food experience with these Sad Friendly Sloppy Joes! 🍔 Imagine a dish that's so deliciously messy, it'll make your taste buds dance and your hunger completely surrender. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone craving a quick and satisfying meal, these sloppy joes are about to become your new culinary best friend. Get ready to dive into a classic American recipe that's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face and create memories around the dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: finely chop the onions and green bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. Measure out all sauce ingredients in advance.
- Place a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until it browns completely and no pink remains. This should take approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Add chopped onions and green bell peppers to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become slightly softened and translucent.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- While the meat simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns to add a crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns, ensuring each serving gets an equal amount of meat and sauce.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally with a side of pickles or coleslaw for added enjoyment.
Tips
- For the most flavorful result, use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio).
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy texture.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Let the mixture simmer slowly to allow flavors to develop and sauce to thicken.
- Toast the buns just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- For a healthier version, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making this a great meal prep option.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the sloppy joe mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before final serving to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
