Grandmas Kitchen Sink Sloppy Joes a Nostalgic Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Remember those carefree childhood days? I bet you do. Fancy tucking into a plate of old fashioned sloppy joes recipe , just like your grandma used to make? Think sweet, tangy, saucy ground beef heaven.

It's proper comfort food, innit?

Brief Overview

This classic sloppy joe recipe is a proper slice of Americana. Simple to make, ready in under an hour. The best sloppy joe recipe will feed a family of 6 with ease.

Proper scran!

Main Benefits

These homemade sloppy joes are bursting with flavour. Plus, they're packed with protein. Perfect for a casual family dinner recipes .

What makes this recipe special is the nostalgic taste. It brings back memories of childhood summers.

What You Need for Epic Diner Style Sloppy Joes

Right then, let's get to the ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this easy sloppy joe recipe :

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped.
• 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef. It’s got the best flavour.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• Quarter of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you fancy a bit of a kick.
• A 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
• Half a cup of ketchup.
• Quarter of a cup of Worcestershire sauce. Don't skip this.
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard.
• Quarter of a cup of water.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 6 hamburger buns, toasted because no one likes a soggy bun!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Ready to whip up the best sloppy joe recipe ever? Trust me, this old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is super simple. No fancy chef skills needed!

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Deliciousness

Here's what you'll need to make this classic sloppy joe recipe :

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g), 80/20 blend is ideal.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) optional . Adds a lil' kick.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
• Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120 ml).
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml).
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed (30 ml).
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Hamburger Buns: 6 , toasted.

For the ground beef, look for a good quality 80/20 blend. It'll give you the best flavour. Avoid too lean, it will dry out.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce of Retro Sloppy Joes

This is where the magic happens. It's my sloppy joe sauce recipe .

• Essential Spices : Garlic powder and smoked paprika are a must.
• Flavour Enhancers : Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami kick. Brown sugar balances the acidity.
• Quick Substitutions : No Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce with a dash of vinegar works. Ran out of paprika? Go with chili powder if it's about heat.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need much for these homemade sloppy joes :

• Essential Tools: Large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Common Alternatives: No fancy spatula needed, a wooden spoon works just as well.

This easy sloppy joe recipe is perfect for a quick and easy family dinner recipes ! Now, that you have the ingredient list, it's time to cook the diner style sloppy joes .

And don't forget about those sloppy joe variations ! Honestly, it is the ground beef recipes easy everyone will love! I hope you can reproduce one of the best sloppy joe recipe for your family and friends.

You can tweak it and create your own sloppy joe variations

Cooking Method: Grandma's Kitchen Sink Sloppy Joes

Honestly, who doesn't love a good classic sloppy joe recipe ? They're just pure comfort food! We're diving into my Grandma's secret old fashioned sloppy joes recipe , and trust me, it's a winner.

She always made the best sloppy joe recipe ever! These retro sloppy joes take me right back to being a kid.

Did you know sloppy joes became a staple in the 1950s, hitting peak popularity when kids came home from school? Mine are a real treat! Forget fancy, we're making proper homemade sloppy joes that are perfect for weeknight family dinner recipes !

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

First, the mise en place . This is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together". Chop your 1 medium yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper .

I like to chop them pretty finely. It helps them disappear into the sauce, especially good if you've got picky eaters! Then, measure out all your sauces and spices.

Having everything ready saves time. And trust me, you'll be glad you did!

step-by-step: Sloppy Joe Magic

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and pepper and cook until soft. This takes about 5- 7 minutes.
3. Crumble in 1 pound ground beef . Brown it properly, then drain off any fat. No one likes greasy Joes! These ground beef recipes easy are always a winner.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , and a pinch of cayenne pepper . Cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce , 1/2 cup ketchup , 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce , 2 tablespoons brown sugar , 1 tablespoon yellow mustard , and 1/4 cup water . Mix it all up! This is the sloppy joe sauce recipe done right.
6. Simmer for at least 20 minutes . The longer, the better the flavor. The ideal temperature is a low simmer. Keep it covered to prevent splatters!
7. Serve this easy sloppy joe recipe on toasted buns!

Pro Tips: Secret Agent Man

• Don't skip the toast. Toasted buns stop the sauce from making them soggy.
• A dash of hot sauce takes these up a notch. sloppy joe variations are limitless.
• Avoid overcooking the beef. Dry beef ruins everything.

Recipe Notes for Epic Sloppy Joes

Alright, before we dive headfirst into this classic sloppy joe recipe , let's chat about a few bits 'n' bobs to really nail it.

These are more like friendly pointers than strict rules, mind you. Cooking should be fun, not stressful! So, grab a cuppa, and let's get to it.

Serving Suggestions Fit for a King (or Queen!)

Presentation matters, even for homemade sloppy joes . Think about it. No one wants a gloopy mess. Mound that best sloppy joe recipe mixture high on toasted buns.

Maybe add a cheeky little gherkin on the side.

• Plating and Presentation: Serve each retro sloppy joes beauty with a side of homemade coleslaw. It cuts through the richness perfectly. Sprinkle the coleslaw with fresh parsley for a pop of colour!
• Complementary Sides and Beverages: Chips are a must, obviously. But how about some sweet potato fries for a twist? As for drinks, I reckon a cold beer or a classic lemonade nails it. You know?

Storage Tips: Keep Those Joes Fresh!

Leftover sloppy joe variations ? Lucky you! You can totally save that for another meal.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and stick 'em in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to three days. Safety first , yeah?
• Freezing Options: Want to keep 'em longer? Freeze the sloppy joe sauce recipe mixture in a freezer safe bag or container. It'll last for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it down completely before freezing.
• Reheating Instructions: Defrost the ground beef recipes easy mixture in the fridge overnight. Then, gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until piping hot. Give it a good stir every now and then. Easy peasy.

Variations on a Theme

Feeling adventurous? Let's talk about sloppy joe variations . This easy sloppy joe recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

• Dietary Adaptations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option. Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version. Easy swap!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: During the summer, throw in some chopped tomatoes for extra freshness. In the winter, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth. The diner style sloppy joes can be whatever you want them to be!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Okay, let's be real. This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe isn't exactly health food. But it's definitely soul food!

• Simplified Nutrition Information: One serving has roughly 420 calories. Also, 30 grams of protein. So they’re not the worst thing you can eat. And a great option for family dinner recipes .
• Key Health Benefits: Ground beef provides iron. And tomato sauce has antioxidants. So, it’s not all bad, right?

Honestly, making old fashioned sloppy joes recipe can be a really great way to introduce yourself to cooking or re-connect with your family through great food! So there you have it.

A few simple tips to make your Sloppy Joes truly amazing. Now go forth and get cooking. Enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to keep my old fashioned sloppy joes recipe from being too watery?

Nobody wants a soggy Joe! The key is to thoroughly drain the fat from the ground beef after browning it. Also, don't rush the simmering process letting the sauce reduce over low heat will thicken it up beautifully, like a proper Sunday gravy.

A little cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) added in the last 5 minutes can also do the trick if you're in a bind.

Can I make old fashioned sloppy joes recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can! Making Sloppy Joes ahead of time is a great idea, especially if you're having a barbie (barbecue) or a get-together. In fact, the flavors often meld and improve overnight.

Just let the mixture cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving. You might need to add a splash of water if it's thickened too much.

What are some good substitutions if I'm missing an ingredient for this old fashioned sloppy joes recipe?

No worries, we've all been there! If you're out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can work as a substitute, just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. No Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce with a touch of vinegar will give you a similar umami kick.

Remember, cooking's all about experimenting, innit?

How can I make my old fashioned sloppy joes recipe a little healthier?

Want to lighten things up a bit? Use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute. You can also load up on finely chopped veggies like carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms for added nutrients and fiber your secret's safe with me!

Serving them on whole wheat buns is another easy way to boost the nutritional value, like adding peas to your mashed potatoes.

What are some fun variations I can try with my sloppy joes?

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of a kick with a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a sweeter twist, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang.

You could even try topping your Sloppy Joe with a fried egg for a really decadent treat a bit like putting an egg on everything, really.

How should I store leftover old fashioned sloppy joes?

Let the Sloppy Joe mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then gently warm it up on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to loosen it up. Always ensure it is piping hot before serving.