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5-Ingredient Sloppy Joes Recipe

Discover the ultimate weeknight solution with our 5-ingredient Sloppy Joes recipe! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy evenings. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Get the recipe now and make dinnertime a breeze!

5-Ingredients Sloppy Joes: Quick and Delicious

Craving a simple yet satisfying dinner? These 5-Ingredients Sloppy Joes are a game-changer for busy weeknights! With just five basic ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Delicious 5-ingredient Sloppy Joes on a plate, featuring a simple and quick recipe for a weeknight meal

What Are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food. This hot, messy sandwich features seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce and served on a hamburger bun. Despite their simplicity, Sloppy Joes pack a punch with their rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients

To make these Sloppy Joes, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 cup ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns

How to Make the Best Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
  3. Toast the Hamburger Buns:
    • Place the buns face up on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or until lightly crispy. To keep them from getting too hard, cover them with a towel or wrap them in foil until ready to use.
  4. Assemble and Serve:
    • Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Delicious 5-ingredient Sloppy Joe sliders on a plate, ideal for a quick and easy meal.

Expert Tips

  • Add-On Ideas: For extra flavor, consider adding a small chopped onion or bell pepper to the meat while browning. Spice it up with chili powder or red pepper flakes.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare a double batch and freeze the leftovers in a freezer bag. Reheat in a crockpot or skillet for a quick, last-minute dinner.
  • Serving Options: Skip the buns and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use homemade ketchup?
A: Yes, homemade ketchup or tomato paste can be used in place of store-bought ketchup for a personalized touch.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re eager to make meal prep even simpler, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s brimming with quick, easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game. Grab your copy today and start transforming your meals!

Origins and Fun Facts

The Sloppy Joe’s origins are debated, but most credit Floyd Angell’s Café cook, Joe, in Sioux City, Iowa, who supposedly added tomato sauce to his “loose meat” sandwiches. Another fun legend ties the sandwich to Ernest Hemingway, who reportedly inspired the name and concept at Joe Russell’s bar in Key West, Florida. Regardless of its history, one thing is clear: Sloppy Joes are a timeless and tasty treat!

Delicious 5-ingredient Sloppy Joe sliders on a plate, ideal for a quick and easy meal.

Sloppy Joe's With Just 5-Ingredients

Yield: serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Discover the ultimate weeknight solution with our 5-ingredient Sloppy Joes recipe! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy evenings. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Get the recipe now and make dinnertime a breeze!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 Hamburger Buns

Instructions

  1. Make the Sloppy Joe: In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain the grease. Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire Sauce. Stir until well combined. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  2. Serve: Scoop meat mixture onto hamburger bun and serve.

Notes

  • Add-On Ideas: For extra flavor, consider adding a small chopped onion or bell pepper to the meat while browning. Spice it up with chili powder or red pepper flakes.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare a double batch and freeze the leftovers in a freezer bag. Reheat in a crockpot or skillet for a quick, last-minute dinner.
  • Serving Options: Skip the buns and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 996mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 36g

    The Nutritional Information may not be accurate.

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    About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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