Description
These sloppy joes are made with a rich, smoky sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted provolone cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they’ll become an instant favorite.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (preferably smoky-flavored)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich rolls or hamburger buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Butter for toasting the buns (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the Smoky Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Toast the Buns (Optional):
- Spread butter on the cut sides of the sandwich rolls and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the meat mixture. Cover with the top bun.
- To melt the cheese, you can place the sandwiches on a baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or cover the skillet briefly over low heat.
- Serve:
- Serve the sandwiches warm with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.
- Bun Choices: Use brioche buns, pretzel rolls, or ciabatta for a gourmet twist.
- Customize: Add sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or jalapeños for extra flavor.