Sloppy Joes
I found the base recipe for this and altered it slightly to suit my family's taste. I have a larger family (6) and have to triple this recipe to feed my brood. There are never any left-overs though.
I found the base recipe for this and altered it slightly to suit my family's taste. I have a larger family (6) and have to triple this recipe to feed my brood. There are never any left-overs though.
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 medium onion minced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- seasoning salt to taste
- 1/2 orange bell pepper minced
- 3 -4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 3/4 c. ketchup
- 1 tsp. mustard
- 3 tbsp. + 1 tsp. brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar
- 3/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/3 -1/2 c. water to reach desired consistency
- Carbohydrate 45.2643103144676 g
- Cholesterol 51.75250675 mg
- Fat 11.985305236934 g
- Fiber 2.05878243765304 g
- Protein 23.3204887815003 g
- Saturated Fat 3.99813126680374 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (212g)
- Sodium 786.275223295574 mg
- Sugar 43.2055278768146 g
- Trans Fat 1.47070188583105 g
- Calories 381 calories
Step-by-step
- Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season to taste with seasoning salt.
- Add in mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine tomato paste and water and add to hamburger mixture. Add more water if desired.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
- Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season to taste with seasoning salt.
- Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add in remaining ingredients and combine well.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours and serve on hamburger buns.
- Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season to taste with seasoning salt.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Add in remaining ingredients and combine well.
- Freeze.
- When ready to cook, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low to 3-5 hours.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
The Tale of the Tripled Sloppy Joe Recipe
As a busy mom of six, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner is often a whirlwind of activity, a race against the clock to get a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table before bedtime stories begin. That's why I’ve always cherished recipes that are both quick and crowd-pleasing, and Sloppy Joes have become a staple in our home.
I first encountered this Sloppy Joe recipe online, a simple base recipe that promised deliciousness. But let’s be real: feeding six hungry children requires more than a single serving! I quickly learned to triple the recipe, adapting it along the way to suit my family's unique preferences. The best part? There’s never a single leftover. My kids devour them, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What makes these Sloppy Joes so special?
Firstly, they are incredibly versatile. I often find myself adjusting the recipe to use up whatever vegetables I have on hand – an extra pepper here, some finely chopped carrots there. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more healthy options into a meal that already feels comforting and familiar. The ease of the recipe is also a major plus, particularly on those evenings when I'm juggling a million things at once. The stovetop method is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, but the crockpot option is a lifesaver on busy days.
Beyond the basics:
I love experimenting with variations. Sometimes I add a touch of smoky paprika for depth of flavor, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick (though I always make a milder version for the little ones!). I've even been known to sneak in some finely chopped mushrooms for a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to make it your own.
Over the years, these Sloppy Joes have become more than just a meal; they're a symbol of family togetherness, a comforting reminder of shared moments around the table. The aroma of simmering beef, the happy chaos of hungry kids, the satisfied sighs after a delicious bite – these are the memories that make up the heart of our home. And, as my children grow older, I know this recipe will continue to hold a special place in our family's culinary history. It is far beyond just a recipe; it’s a taste of love, carefully crafted and shared.
Beyond the family table:
These adaptable Sloppy Joes have a way of uniting people. Take our last camping trip, for instance. We adapted the recipe for campfire cooking. Browned the beef over a cast iron skillet, and then finished off the rest in our trusty Dutch oven. Even the seasoned campers among our friends were impressed by the taste.
So, whether it is a bustling weeknight, a camping adventure or a quick family dinner, Sloppy Joes are always a welcome guest at our table. The simplicity of the recipe contrasts with the depth of flavor, making them a perfect recipe for any cook, regardless of experience. They're a reminder that even the simplest meals can hold the greatest memories.
