Barbecue Sloppy Joes Recipe

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Barbecue sloppy joes are a tasty twist on a classic sandwich. You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make. These saucy sandwiches are ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

The recipe combines ground beef, veggies, and a mix of tangy sauces. Serve them on toasted buns for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty barbecue sloppy joes:

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 hamburger buns

For topping (optional):

• Shredded cheddar cheese

You might already have some of these items in your kitchen. Check your pantry and fridge before heading to the store.

Remember, you can adjust the amounts based on your taste. If you like it saucier, add more barbecue sauce. Want it spicier? Try adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain extra grease if needed.

Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.

Mix in barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes. Stir now and then to blend flavors.

Check the taste and add more seasonings if you like. The mix should be thick but saucy.

Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Add shredded cheese on top if you want.

Grab some napkins and dig in! These messy sandwiches are best eaten right away while they’re hot and saucy.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this barbecue sloppy joes recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some tasty options to try:

Meat substitutes:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal
• Plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version
• Ground pork for a different flavor

Veggie swaps:

• Diced carrots instead of bell peppers
• Celery for extra crunch
• Finely chopped mushrooms to boost umami

Try different BBQ sauce flavors to create unique twists. Spicy, smoky, or fruity sauces can add exciting new dimensions to your sloppy joes.

For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. This gives a hint of that grilled taste without firing up the barbecue.

Serving ideas:

• Use slider buns for party-sized portions
• Serve over baked potatoes for a fork-and-knife meal
• Spoon onto crackers for easy appetizers

Mix in a can of drained kidney beans to add texture and fiber. This also stretches the meal to feed more people.

For bacon lovers, try chopping up a few strips and sautéing them with the ground meat. You can even top your sandwich with crispy bacon for extra indulgence.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your barbecue sloppy joes extra tasty with these tips:

Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from getting too greasy. For a healthier option, try ground turkey instead.

Toast your buns before serving. This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy.

Add some heat with a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you like spicy food.

Storing leftovers is easy:

• Let the mixture cool completely
• Place in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop

You can also freeze sloppy joe mix for later:

1. Cool the mixture
2. Put it in freezer bags
3. Squeeze out extra air
4. Freeze for up to 3 months

When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

For a fun twist, try serving your sloppy joes on slider buns for mini sandwiches. They’re perfect for parties or kids’ meals.