Homemade Barbeque Sloppy Joes

This Homemade Barbeque Sloppy Joes recipe is a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite. It combines the savory, tangy flavors of BBQ sauce and is piled high on toasted buns for a napkin-required dinner everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredient Tips:

Ground Beef: I like to use the 80/20 ratio of ground beef for sloppy Joes because the 20% fat content adds richness and lots of flavor to the meat, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

The fat also helps keep the meat juicy and moist during cooking and is essential to achieving the perfect sloppy joe texture.

Onion: Yellow onions are often the best choice. They have a balanced flavor that is sweet and slightly pungent.

Rolls: Kaiser rolls are an excellent choice for this recipe due to their sturdy structure and ability hold lots of filling without getting soggy.

How To Make Homemade Barbeque Sloppy Joes:

Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium high heat, chop up the beef and brown until no longer pink. Add the onion and continue to cook until the onion is softened about 4 minutes. You can also add colored bell peppers if you like. Makes it pretty!!

Step 2: Drain out any excess fat.

Step 3: Add in the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes and allow all that goodness to marry.

Step 5: While the meat is simmering, butter the rolls with softened butter and lightly toast them on a griddle or a skillet.

Step 6: Spoon a generous amount on the bottom roll and top with the other half. Enjoy!

Sloppy Joe Variations & Substitutions:

Meat Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner and reduced fat option.
• Plant based crumbles can be used for a vegan or vegetarian option.
• Cooked lentils can replace meat for a protein rich vegetarian option.

Vegetables:

• Add sautéed onions or caramelized onions to enhance the flavor and add sweetness.
• Mix in diced bell peppers to add crunch, sweetness and beautiful color.
• Toss in chopped mushrooms to add a meaty texture and extra flavor.

Sloppy Joe Toppings:

Cheese: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a little spice and creaminess.

Pickles: I love pickles on sandwiches! Sliced pickles or relish add a crunchy and tangy touch. Did I mention I love pickles??

Coleslaw: Top with coleslaw for a creamy, cool and refreshing crunch.

Ways To Serve Sloppy Joes:

For a lower-carb option, use lettuce leaves to make a wrap. Try romaine, iceberg or bibb lettuce. You can also serve over cornbread and/or top it with shredded cheese.

What To Do With Leftover Meat:

Sloppy Joe Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with sloppy joe filling, lots of shredded cheese (I love a Monterey jack combo), and jalapenos. Bake until the cheese melts and serve with sour cream and salsa.

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the sloppy joe mixture and top with cheese. You can even mix the beef with rice to bulk it up a bit. Bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the sloppy joe filling and add sour cream, chives, and/or cheese.

Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese: Stir the filling into a creamy pot of mac and cheese for a hearty and easy dinner.

How to store leftovers:

Once cooled down, add to a Tupperware container and seal it closed. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag (making sure to remove all the air) and freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label it clearly with a date!

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