Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 hamburger buns
Special Equipment Needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Temperature:
Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 430
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 81mg
Sodium: 990mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Red bell pepper can be used instead of green bell pepper.
- Honey can be used instead of brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smokier flavor.
- Add a diced jalapeno for some heat.
Tips and Tricks:
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the sloppy joes in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the sloppy joes on a platter with a side of coleslaw and pickles.
Garnishes:
Top the sloppy joes with shredded cheese, diced onions, or sliced jalapenos.
Pairings:
Serve the sloppy joes with a side of sweet potato fries or potato salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Baked beans
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too sweet, add a little more chili powder to balance out the flavors.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Sloppy joes originated in the United States in the early 20th century and were originally called "loose meat sandwiches." The name "sloppy joe" was first used in the 1940s.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, tangy, and savory.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns with a side of coleslaw and pickles.
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