Served messy on purpose, over hamburger buns.
Just hearing the words “sloppy joes” from my mother used to send us kids into a tizzy.
There was something wonderfully fun about getting to eat a burger/sandwich that was messy by design.
Elise Bauer
I first posted this recipe years ago, after making it for my visiting young nephew.
Sloppy joes really are a quintessential kid food, aren’t they?
And he eats spaghetti, so what’s wrong with tomatoes, anyway?
Elise Bauer
When called to dinner he ate the whole thing (and loved it)!
What’s a Sloppy Joe?
Depending on where you live, a “Sloppy Joe” can mean many different things.
Elise Bauer
It’s a mess.
Even though it’s in a bun, it must be eaten with a fork.
Then I brown the ground beef and pull everything together with a highly flavored tomato sauce.
Elise Bauer
It’s one of my favorite recipes on the site.
I hope you like it, too!
Tips for Making the Best Sloppy Joes
Can You Freeze Leftovers?
Elise Bauer
it’s possible for you to freeze these for up to 3 months.
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Messy Sandwich?
Best Ever Sloppy Joes
Save time on prep by pulsing roughly chopped veggies in a food processor.
Elise Bauer
Brown the meat well.
Add the minced carrots and saute for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and celery.
Elise Bauer
Cook, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent, about 5 more minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
Remove vegetables from the pan to a medium sized bowl, set aside.
Elise Bauer
Sprinkle the meat with salt.
Do not stir the ground beef, just let it cook until it is well browned on one side.
Then flip the pieces over and brown the second side.
Return the cooked ground beef and vegetables to the pan.
Use a wooden spoon to break up any chunks of ground beef into smaller bits.
Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan.
Stir to mix well.
Add ground cloves, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Lower the heat to medium low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate to make ahead and reheat to serve.
Serve with toasted hamburger buns.
