Grown Up Sloppy Joes

If you think of a sloppy joe as a messy, nostalgic meal, think again!

Today, we’re stepping up our game with a fancier version that’s still packed with flavor. 

Imagine a sloppy joe with its shirt tucked in—let’s call it the “sloppy Joseph.” 

Ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride?

Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (0.5 kg) 80/20 ground beef
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) baking soda
• 1 large or 2 small poblano peppers, small diced (approx. 100 g)
• 1 large yellow or white onion, small diced (approx. 150 g)
• Olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1 1/2 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (2 g) black pepper
• 1 3/4 tsp (5 g) paprika
• Pinch of chili flakes
• 1 1/2 Tbsp (10 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 3 Tbsp (50 g) tomato paste
• 3 Tbsp (50 g) ketchup
• 2 Tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard
• 2 1/2-3 tsp (15 g) brown sugar
• 3 1/2 Tbsp (50 g) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 Tbsp (20 g) red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp (10 g) Better Than Bouillon beef paste
• 1 1/2 cups (350 g) stock (chicken or beef)

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by placing the ground beef in a bowl and sprinkle the baking soda over it.

Mix the baking soda thoroughly into the beef. This helps keep the meat tender during cooking.

Let the beef sit for a few minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Next, dice your onion and poblano pepper into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a good splash of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onions and poblanos along with a pinch of salt.

Cook the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and start to brown.

Once they’re aromatic and golden, it’s time to add the beef.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the beef to the pan and use a meat musher to break it down into smaller pieces.

Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Now, it’s time to season! Add in the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.

Toss everything together and let the spices cook for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in to thicken the sauce.

Next, pour in the tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and Better Than Bouillon beef paste.

Finally, add the stock and stir everything until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 5: Reduce and Serve

Let the sauce reduce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

As it reduces, the sauce will become thicker and more flavorful.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Now, it’s time to serve!

Step 6: Prepare the Bun

Brush a generous amount of melted butter on the inside of a brioche bun.

Toast the bun in a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden brown.

Add 4-6 ounces of the meat mixture to the bun.

Try to keep the meat contained to avoid a messy meal.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Sloppy Joseph!

And there you have it—a not-so-sloppy sloppy joe that’s flavorful and satisfying!

This upgraded version is tender, juicy, and perfectly balanced. It’s a delicious twist on a classic that you won’t want to miss!

Let’s dig in and enjoy this amazing meal!