Description
A hearty and flavorful Sloppy Joes recipe featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and spices, perfect for a satisfying family meal served on soft toasted rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp / 15g butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green capsicum/bell pepper, diced
- 500 g / 1 lb ground beef (mince)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 400 g / 14 oz crushed tomato, canned
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5 to 6 soft rolls
- Cheese slices (optional)
Optional Fixing Options
- Additional toppings like pickles, sliced onions, mustard, or lettuce
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over high heat to prepare the base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the butter and cook for 2 minutes until the onion turns almost translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add Capsicum: Stir in the diced green capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes until softened, adding flavor and texture to the mixture.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as you cook, until it changes from red to brown, ensuring it is fully cooked and crumbled.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, crumbled beef bouillon cube, and black pepper. Combine thoroughly, then reduce heat to medium-low or low for strong stoves.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. For quicker preparation, cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Final Stir and Thickness Check: Remove the lid and stir well for a minute to thicken the sauce. The mixture should be thick and saucy, not runny. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
- Toast Rolls: Toast the soft rolls; optionally butter them according to preference.
- Assemble and Serve: Pile the sloppy joe filling generously onto the toasted rolls, top immediately with cheese slices to melt partially from the heat (or melt under broiler/grill if needed). Cover with the lid of the roll and serve right away.
Notes
- Note 1: Ground beef should be fresh and preferably lean to avoid excess fat.
- Note 2: Beef bouillon cube adds depth of flavor; it can be substituted with beef stock if preferred.
- Note 3: Soft rolls such as hamburger buns or sandwich rolls work best for holding the filling.
- Note 4: Optional toppings include pickles, sliced onions, mustard, or lettuce to customize your Sloppy Joe.
