EatingWell Sloppy Joes
Our updated Sloppy Joe takes lean ground beef and adds chopped cremini mushrooms and diced fresh plum tomatoes, all in a zesty sauce. Served on a whole-wheat bun, it's a hearty dinner sandwich that will please adults and kids alike.
Our updated Sloppy Joe takes lean ground beef and adds chopped cremini mushrooms and diced fresh plum tomatoes, all in a zesty sauce. Served on a whole-wheat bun, it's a hearty dinner sandwich that will please adults and kids alike.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 12 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
- 2 cups finely chopped cremini mushrooms (about 4 ounces)
- 5 plum tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup chili sauce such as heinz
- 8 whole-wheat hamburger buns toasted if desired
- Carbohydrate 7.9553373875 g
- Cholesterol 27.6407850225 mg
- Fat 4.508061045 g
- Fiber 1.28507794412605 g
- Protein 9.7251759375 g
- Saturated Fat 1.765293251347 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (160g)
- Sodium 143.074359035667 mg
- Sugar 6.67025944337395 g
- Trans Fat 0.593844460892499 g
- Calories 110 calories
Step-by-step
- Crumble beef into a large nonstick skillet; cook over medium heat until it starts to sizzle, about 1 minute.
- Add onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables are soft and the moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and flour; stir to combine.
- Stir in water, vinegar, chili sauce and ketchup and bring to a simmer, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the onion is very tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve warm on buns.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: EatingWell Sloppy Joes
As a busy mom of two, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and bedtime routines. So, when I discover a recipe that’s both quick and satisfying, it becomes a staple in our household. That’s exactly what happened with EatingWell’s Sloppy Joes. This recipe isn’t just a kid-friendly classic; it’s a grown-up-approved winner, too. The addition of cremini mushrooms and fresh plum tomatoes elevates the flavor profile beyond your typical Sloppy Joe, making it a truly delightful meal.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's a fantastic base that allows for creative adjustments. One night, I might stick to the original recipe, savoring the rich, tangy sauce and the hearty texture of the beef and mushrooms. Other times, I get adventurous! I've experimented with different spices, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Sometimes, I'll even throw in some bell peppers for extra color and sweetness. The possibilities are endless!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the cooking process is straightforward, even for novice cooks. The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table in a flash. And let's not forget the clean-up; the one-pan method means minimal dishes to wash!
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there’s something inherently comforting about a Sloppy Joe. It evokes childhood memories of casual family dinners and fun-filled weekends. It’s a dish that brings people together, a symbol of simple pleasures and shared moments. My kids absolutely devour these, and I often find myself sneaking a second (or third!) helping, too.
The EatingWell Sloppy Joe recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a shortcut to a happy family dinner. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a recipe that has become a part of our family’s story, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there’s always time for a comforting, flavorful, and delicious meal together.
Beyond the Recipe: The recipe itself is fantastic, but I've discovered some tricks to make it even better. Pre-dicing the onions and mushrooms saves precious time on busy weeknights. I often prep these ingredients on the weekend and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, ready to go whenever the craving strikes. I also find that toasting the buns lightly enhances their flavor and adds a nice textural contrast to the juicy filling.
Serving Suggestions: While the classic serve is on whole-wheat buns, the Sloppy Joe filling is also delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s a remarkably versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your family's preferences and dietary needs.
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a moment of connection, a shared experience, and a delicious taste of home. It’s a recipe I’ll be making for years to come, and I highly recommend you give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
