Sloppy Joe is always a winner if you want something quick, hearty, and delicious for dinner or a snack. Homemade Sloppy Joe is a mix of spices that get stirred in with ground beef and a few other ingredients to complete the sauce. Keep reading to learn how to make homemade Sloppy Joe Mix.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joe Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 large yellow onion (minced)
- 1/3 green bell pepper (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain.
- Now add bell pepper and onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add beef again to the skillet along with the tomato paste. Mix them well.
- Add water, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to combine.
- Cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
- It’s ready. Turn off the heat and serve over toasted buns.
Homemade Sloppy Joe Mix
Ingredients
- 1- tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 large yellow onion minced
- 1/3 green bell pepper minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- dash of hot sauce optional
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain.
- Now add bell pepper and onion to the same skillet and cook 3-4 minutes or until soft.
- After that add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add beef again to the skillet along with the tomato paste. Mix them well.
- Add water, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to combine.
- Cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, until mixture, has thickened.
- It’s ready. Turn off the heat and serve over toasted buns.
Storing & Reheating
You can freeze the Sloppy Joe mix in the freezer for up to 3 months. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. But cool the mixture completely and keep it in an airtight container before storing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Can you make Sloppy Joe’s in a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Just fry the beef in oil and butter, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on slow heat for about 5-6 hours.
FAQs
How to Thicken Sloppy Joes
If you find your Sloppy Joes are too watery, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. This evaporates the extra liquid, giving you a thicker, more satisfying sauce. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce. Be sure to stir well.
Can You Freeze Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can freeze Sloppy Joes! After preparing your Sloppy Joe filling, let it cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or microwave.
How to Serve Sloppy Joes Without Bread
You can serve Sloppy Joes in a variety of ways:
- Lettuce wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to bread.
Stuffed peppers: Hollow out bell peppers, fill them with Sloppy Joe filling, and bake until peppers are tender.
Over rice or pasta: Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on top of some rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Baked potatoes: Stuff baked potatoes with Sloppy Joe filling for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Is Sloppy Joe Mix Gluten-Free?
Many store-bought Sloppy Joe mixes contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the label on the package for gluten-free certification.
What Dessert to Serve with Sloppy Joes?
After enjoying a delicious Sloppy Joe meal, you may want to treat yourself to a tasty dessert. Here are a few options that pair well with Sloppy Joes:
- Fruit salad: A refreshing and simple fruit salad is a great way to cleanse your palate.
- Brownies: A classic dessert that complements the savory flavors of Sloppy Joes.
- Ice cream: A scoop of your favorite ice cream is always satisfying.
- Peach cobbler: This warm, fruity dessert is the perfect way to round off your meal.
