Let’s take a minute to acknowledge the sheer quantity of sloppy joes we have consumed in the Jackson household this summer in pursuit of the perfect joe.
IT HAS BEEN A LOT. I would say we are bordering on being joe-d out, but I just don’t think that’s possible.
Sloppy joes are the perfect summer sandwich, and I love them for so many reasons. To name a couple:
- That scene in It Takes Two where they have a food fight with sloppy joes is one of my all time favorites. So many of the best things about the 90’s in one place.
- Growing up, we almost never ate ground beef at home, and to this day, it still feels special-occasion to me.
So here is what I’ve landed on as the perfect sloppy joe. It’s quick and easy to make; it’s sweet, a little spicy, a little smokey; and it’s very, VERY sloppy.
Like, serve these with a side of wet wipes.
All those casual summer vibes are here. This is low-key fare for a quick dinner to feed hungry people, or to make for a backyard party crowd.
Sloppy Joes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Brown the beef with the onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain well.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, Worchestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, until thickened. Serve on toasted buns.
