Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. If you’re on the hunt for a truly delicious and crowd-pleasing recipe, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes. This recipe, originally featured on Ree Drummond’s popular blog, takes the humble Sloppy Joe to a whole new level of flavor. Forget bland and boring – this is a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes the Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes stand out? It’s all in the details. This isn’t just ground beef and ketchup. Ree Drummond’s recipe layers in savory depth with a blend of aromatics, spices, and a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the rich tomato base. As someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and sharing simple, satisfying meals, I was excited to try this renowned recipe and share my experience with you. And let me tell you, it definitely lives up to the hype.
Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of Pioneer Woman’s famous Sloppy Joes:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- Tabasco sauce (optional; to taste, for extra heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Kaiser rolls
- Butter (for buns)
- Optional: Provolone cheese slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes
Follow these simple steps to create these mouthwatering Sloppy Joes:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off most of the excess fat.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Add Depth of Flavor: For an even richer and more complex flavor, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce (if using) during the last few minutes of simmering. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to reach your preferred level of spice and flavor.
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Prepare the Buns: While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, prepare the Kaiser rolls. Slice them in half and spread butter on the cut sides. Toast the buns on a griddle or in a skillet until lightly browned and crispy.
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Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted Kaiser rolls. Top with the other halves of the rolls. For an extra touch of deliciousness, you can add a slice of provolone cheese on top of the meat and place the assembled Sloppy Joes under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Sloppy Joes
- Spice Level: The recipe includes chili powder and red pepper flakes for a little kick. Adjust the amounts to your preference. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and start with a smaller amount of chili powder, adding more to taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other diced vegetables to the mix, such as celery, carrots, or even finely chopped mushrooms, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Bun Alternatives: If you don’t have Kaiser rolls, hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even toasted slices of bread will work well.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone is a great choice for melting, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a slice of American cheese are also delicious options.
- Make Ahead: The Sloppy Joe meat mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftover Sloppy Joe meat mixture freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for a quick and easy meal later on.
Why This Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Recipe is a Winner
This Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes recipe is truly a standout. The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors, along with the depth from the spices and Worcestershire sauce, creates a truly irresistible Sloppy Joe. The recipe is also incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So ditch the canned sauce and try this homemade version – you’ll never go back! Enjoy this recipe for a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
