Home-made sloppy joes with no preservative-laden packet or pre-made sauce required. These are not only delicious, but they are quick and easy to make. They are perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
You can make it ahead of time and quickly reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to serve. Feeding a crowd? This recipe also doubles (or triples) well. and reheats well. One pound of meat will make 4-8 sandwiches depending on the size of the buns and how full you fill them. These are great for a busy weeknight meal. This recipe also doubles and reheats well so it’s good to feed a crowd. One pound of meat will make 4-6 sandwiches depending on the size of the buns and how full you fill them.
The recipe is gluten-free, you can serve it on traditional or gluten-free buns or rolls. If you want to sneak extra vegetables in there you can add in finely diced zucchini and/or Italian squash. I often do this when I want to make 1 lb of meat stretch a bit further or if the kids are on a vegetable strike.
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken * see note
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce ** see note
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcester sauce
- ¼ tablespoon prepared mustard can sub 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon rounded onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon rounded garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon rounded smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over medium/medium-high heat, add the oil then brown the meat. Drain off any fat. While the meat is cooking, mix the remaining sauce ingredients together in a separate bowl. Set sauce aside.
- Once the meat is browned, add the peppers, onion, and garlic and saute for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add the sauce, and mix well into the meat. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has reached the desired thickness.
- Serve on a hamburger bun.
