3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes
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Want a quick and easy meal? Try 3-ingredient sloppy joes! You can whip up this tasty dinner in just 10 minutes. All you need is ground beef or turkey, sloppy joe sauce, and hamburger buns.
Cook the meat in a skillet, mix in the sauce, and pile it on buns. It’s that simple! Kids love these messy sandwiches, and grown-ups will enjoy how fast they come together. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you need to make 3-ingredient sloppy joes:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 4-6 hamburger buns
Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps:
Ground turkey can replace beef for a leaner option. Chicken or pork work too!
No ketchup? Mix tomato sauce with a bit of sugar instead.
Dijon or spicy brown mustard add extra flavor if you’re out of yellow.
Slider buns make cute mini sandwiches. Or try potato rolls for a softer texture.
Add some extras if you like:
• Finely diced onions
• Minced garlic
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar for sweetness
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. But feel free to make it your own!
Instructions
First, grab a large skillet and put it on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high. Add your ground beef or turkey to the pan.
Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s all brown and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If there’s a lot of grease, drain it off. You don’t want soggy sandwiches!
Now, pour in the sloppy joe sauce. Stir it well to coat all the meat. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
While that’s cooking, get your hamburger buns ready. You can toast them if you like.
Once the meat mixture is hot, scoop it onto the bottom buns. Put the top buns on and you’re done!
Serve right away while they’re nice and warm. Be ready with napkins – they’re called sloppy for a reason!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make your 3-ingredient sloppy joes even better with these simple tips:
Toast the buns for extra crunch. A quick toast in the oven or on a skillet adds nice texture.
Drain excess grease from the meat before adding sauce. This keeps your sandwiches from getting too messy.
Try mixing in some diced onions or bell peppers with the meat for added flavor and nutrition.
To save time, cook a big batch of meat and freeze it in portions. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw, heat, and add sauce.
Leftovers stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store the meat mixture separately from the buns to prevent sogginess.
For easy reheating, microwave the meat mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
Get creative with toppings! Try cheese, pickles, or coleslaw for fun variations.
Make mini sliders using small rolls for a party-friendly version.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.