Description

Craving a hearty, nostalgic sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors? Chef John’s Sloppy Joes is a classic American dish, featuring saucy, seasoned ground beef piled high on a bun. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or a fun, casual meal, this recipe is both comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Chef John’s Sloppy Joes uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:

1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef: Provides a meaty, hearty base.
½ onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory flavor.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Contributes mild sweetness and texture.
2 cups water (divided): Helps cook the beef and create the sauce consistency.
¾ cup ketchup: Adds tangy, sweet flavor to the sauce.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances acidity.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, tangy note.
1 dash Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth.
1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste: Enhances overall flavor.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat.
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste: Provides a subtle spicy kick.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Extra Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the dish less greasy while maintaining flavor.
Ketchup and Brown Sugar: Create a sweet-tangy sauce base, the hallmark of Sloppy Joes.
Vegetables: Onion and green bell pepper add texture and balance the richness.
Spices and Seasonings: Dijon, Worcestershire, and cayenne add depth and a slight kick.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-pork blend for a different flavor.
Ketchup: Substitute with tomato sauce plus 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar.
Vegan Option: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils; use vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free; serve on gluten-free buns.
Spicy Sloppy Joes: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño with the vegetables.
Sweet and Smoky: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of barbecue sauce to the mix.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef, ½ onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cups water (divided), ¾ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 dash Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Dice the onion and green bell pepper; mince the garlic.

Tip: Prep vegetables ahead to streamline cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Combine 1 ½ pounds ground beef and ½ diced onion in a cold skillet.
Place the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the beef is crumbly and browned.
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced green bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, 2-3 minutes.

Tip: Start in a cold skillet to render fat evenly and avoid sticking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add 1 cup water to the beef mixture.
Stir in ¾ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 dash Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Pour in the remaining 1 cup water and stir to combine.

Tip: Stir well to ensure the sauce ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes very thick, 30-45 minutes.
Adjust salt and pepper as needed; season with a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.

Tip: Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture hot, spooned onto hamburger buns (not listed in ingredients but implied for serving).
Optionally, top with pickles, coleslaw, or extra cheese for added flavor.

Tip: Toast the buns lightly for extra texture and to prevent sogginess.