Sloppy Joe Recipe
A beloved classic, Sloppy Joes offer a satisfying combination of rich, savory beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with subtle sweetness and aromatic undertones. This version uses crushed tomatoes instead of overly sweetened canned sauces, making it a more balanced and hearty meal that freezes exceptionally well and scales easily for groups.
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Servings: 5 people
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 green capsicum/bell pepper diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp /15g butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 beef bouillon cube crumbled (or 1.5 tsp beef stock powder)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 500 g / 1 lb ground beef mince
- 400 g / 14 oz crushed tomato canned
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
To Serve:
- 5 to 6 soft rolls brioche or soft hamburger buns preferred
- Cheese slices optional
- Optional fixings: pickles jalapeños or chillies, hot sauce, corn chips, or slaw
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over high heat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until the onion becomes nearly translucent.
- Incorporate the diced capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook while breaking it apart, until it transitions fully from red to brown.
- Mix in the ketchup, crushed tomato, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, crumbled beef bouillon cube, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Lower the heat to medium-low (or low, depending on stove strength), then cover the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. For a quicker version, simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Uncover the pot and stir vigorously for about a minute until the sauce thickens. The final mixture should be hearty, not overly saucy or runny. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Toast the rolls and butter them if desired.
- Generously heap the warm filling onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Immediately layer with cheese slices if using, allowing the residual heat to soften the cheese. Close with the top bun and serve promptly.
Notes
Meat Substitutions: Pork works well. For poultry versions (chicken or turkey), substitute with a chicken bouillon cube and add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Bouillon Alternatives: Use chicken bouillon if beef is unavailable. In the absence of either, season with salt to taste.
Roll Options: Brioche buns or soft hamburger rolls offer the best texture contrast, though any bread can suffice.
Additional Fixings: Customize with pickles, sliced jalapeños or chillies, a splash of hot sauce, or crunchy additions like corn chips or slaw.
Side Suggestions: Serve with crisps for casual gatherings, or pair with a fresh, non-mayo slaw such as an everyday cabbage salad. Traditional coleslaw is also suitable.
Slow Cooker Method: Simmer on LOW for 6 hours. Stir thoroughly before serving to incorporate excess liquid.
Storage: Store filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat before assembling sandwiches. Avoid storing filled rolls to prevent sogginess.