Growing up, Sloppy Joes have been a beloved American classic that many families cherish. There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing your own homemade Sloppy Joes from the ground up! Today, I’m excited to share my Grandma’s cherished recipe, which has a special place in my heart. Using ground beef, she would sauté it with onions, green peppers, and garlic before mixing in ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and a hint of hot sauce, letting everything simmer until the meat was tender and the sauce thickened beautifully. This recipe, steeped in nostalgia, is certainly a treasure that will be enjoyed for years to come!
The Origins of Sloppy Joes:
Sloppy Joes date back to the early 20th century, with multiple claims to their creation. One charming story attributes them to a cook named Joe from Sioux City, Iowa, who began serving loose meat sandwiches in the 1930s. As an Iowan, this tale resonates with me! Sloppy Joes quickly gained popularity across the nation, establishing themselves as a warm and comforting food. No wonder my Grandma has prepared them for such a long time!
My Grandma’s Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe:
Let’s jump right into making this delightful recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef: The quintessential meat option for Sloppy Joes. The fat content in ground beef enhances the flavor significantly.
- Onion: Another essential ingredient that adds depth.
- Garlic: Similarly, garlic is a classic ingredient that enriches the meat’s flavor.
- Green pepper: Adds a perfect complement to the ground beef; my grandma always included it, so I follow suit!
- Ketchup: Serves as the base for the sauce; it’s vital to have a harmonious balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Yellow mustard: I appreciate the subtle zest it contributes to the entire dish.
- Brown sugar: A bit of sweetness balances out the saltiness of the sauce.
- Tabasco sauce: Just a hint of spice to elevate the taste.
- Water: Helps amalgamate all ingredients and allows the meat to tenderize while simmering.
- Salt and pepper: Season according to your preference; I typically add them at the end.
- Bread and butter pickles: My top choice of pickles; they pair wonderfully with Sloppy Joes.
- A good bun: A soft bun is ideal for soaking up the juicy sauce of the Sloppy Joes.
Instructions:
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, here’s how to prepare Sloppy Joes!
1.) Begin by heating a large skillet or pot on medium heat and add diced onions and green peppers. Sauté for a few minutes before incorporating the garlic, cooking for another minute.
2.) Then, add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
3.) Next, incorporate the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and water into the pot, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, which lets the flavors blend and the sauce thicken. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve it all on a bun and savor the deliciousness!
Customizing Your Sloppy Joes:
- Include extra veggies: Consider adding diced celery, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Healthier swaps: Substitute tomato sauce for ketchup and use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar.
- Spice it up: Increase the heat with additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with proteins: While traditional Sloppy Joes typically use ground beef, you can also opt for ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian alternative.
- Get creative with toppings: Sloppy Joes can be enhanced with shredded cheese or coleslaw for an extra crunch.
- Think outside the bun and create Sloppy Joe Nachos, a Sloppy Joe Dog (on top of a hot dog), or serve it over noodles for a delightful twist!
To me, Sloppy Joes represent more than just a meal – they evoke fond memories of simpler moments and treasured family dinners at my grandparents’ table. I hope my Grandma’s recipe brings you as much joy as it does for me. I’d love to see your own creations of homemade Sloppy Joes! Please share pictures, leave a comment, or check out my Instagram page!
Yield: 4-6
Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich made with ground beef that’s cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, combined with diced green peppers, onions, and garlic. Serve on a bun accompanied by pickles.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 garlic cloves)
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 5 dashes Tabasco sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for skillet
- Buns
- Bread and butter pickles
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium. Add in onion, green pepper, and garlic; sauté for a few minutes.
- Next, add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart as it browns.
- Once fully browned, mix in the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Tabasco sauce, black pepper, and water, stirring well.
- Reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally for at least 20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Serve it on buns with bread and butter pickles.
Notes
Perfect for leftovers! It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing in the fridge overnight, then microwave or warm in a large pot.
