Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
6. Toast the hamburger buns and spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the beef, then low heat for simmering the sauce.
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 430
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 760mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Red bell pepper or jalapeno peppers can be used instead of green bell pepper.
- Tomato sauce can be used instead of ketchup.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the beef mixture for added protein and fiber.
- Top the Sloppy Joes with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
- Use the beef mixture as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to break up the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Let the Sloppy Joes simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Toasting the hamburger buns adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Storage instructions:
Leftover Sloppy Joes 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 stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Sloppy Joes on a platter with a side of sweet potato fries and a salad.
Garnishes:
Top the Sloppy Joes with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
Pairings:
Serve the Sloppy Joes with a side of sweet potato fries and a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover Sloppy Joes in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Sloppy Joes are a classic American dish that originated in the early 20th century. The exact origin of the dish is unclear, but it is believed to have been created by cooks in the Midwest who were looking for a quick and easy meal to serve to large groups of people.
Flavor profiles:
The Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joe has a sweet and tangy flavor from the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, with a spicy kick from the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Sloppy Joes on hamburger buns with a side of sweet potato fries and a salad for a complete meal.
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