Super Sloppy Joes
This recipe delivers classic Super Sloppy Joes, featuring seasoned ground beef, onions, and red bell peppers simmered in a savory tomato sauce with hints of brown sugar and Worcestershire. Quick and easy, the flavorful mixture is generously piled onto toasted, buttered rolls, offering a comforting and delightfully messy meal perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet Preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed for even browning
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For breaking up meat and stirring
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife For chopping vegetables
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 turn of the pan
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef sirloin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon steak seasoning blend such as McCormick brand Montreal Seasoning
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 crusty rolls split, toasted, and lightly buttered
- Garnish: sliced ripe tomatoes pickles, Deviled Potato Salad
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan. Spread the meat around the pan and begin to break it up. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning. Add sugar and spice mixture to the skillet and combine. When the meat has browned, add onion and red peppers to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook onions, peppers, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce with meat for 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and paste to pan. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook Sloppy Joe mixture 5 minutes longer. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, pile sloppy meat onto toasted, buttered bun bottoms and cover with bun tops. Serve with your favorite sides or sliced tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper, dill pickles and Deviled Potato Salad. Have plenty of napkins on hand!
Notes
Achieving a deep, rich flavor starts with properly browning the ground beef; don't rush this step, as it builds a crucial flavor base through the Maillard reaction. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika with the steak seasoning. Ensure your vegetables are finely diced for a cohesive texture that integrates well into the sloppy joe mixture. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Conversely, if it's too thick, a splash of water or beef broth can adjust consistency. Lastly, remember that the quality of your rolls significantly impacts the final sandwich experience; a good sturdy, toasted roll is essential to stand up to the 'sloppy' nature of the filling.