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Homemade Sloppy Joes

Savory Homemade Sloppy Joes for a Cozy Family Dinner

Enjoy these Homemade Sloppy Joes, a delightful weeknight meal perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil olive oil or canola oil can be used
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10) can be substituted with ground turkey or lentils
  • 1 small sweet onion red or yellow onion can be used
  • 1 small green bell pepper any color can be used or omitted
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste crushed tomatoes can be used
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; pre-minced garlic is an option
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can be used
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust according to heat preference
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional for milder taste
  • 1 cup beef stock vegetable stock can be substituted
  • ½ cup ketchup BBQ sauce can be used for variation
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard yellow mustard is a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce soy sauce can be used
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar omit for less sweetness

Equipment

  • large cast iron skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large cast iron skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and place it over medium-high heat, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking for about 3-5 minutes until nicely browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the diced small sweet onion and small green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of beef stock, scraping up browned bits to add depth to the sauce. Stir well.
  6. Stir in ½ cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper, allowing to simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Serve the filling on toasted buns immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These Homemade Sloppy Joes can be customized with different meats or vegetarian options. Make sure to adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy leftovers as well.

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