Craving a taste of classic American comfort food? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes recipe. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has perfected this family-favorite dish, and we’re here to share all the delicious details so you can recreate it in your own kitchen. This isn’t just any sloppy joes recipe; it’s a flavor-packed, hearty meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes are a Must-Try
The Pioneer Woman is renowned for her approachable, homestyle cooking, and her sloppy joes recipe is a shining example of why she’s so beloved. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but boasts a depth of flavor that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Unlike canned versions or bland imitations, this Sloppy Joes Recipe Pioneer Woman style is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, ensuring a vibrant and satisfying meal.
What sets this recipe apart? It’s all in the details. From the sautéed vegetables to the perfectly balanced blend of seasonings, every element works together to create a sloppy joe that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.
Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Here’s the complete sloppy joes recipe Pioneer Woman made famous, broken down into easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ 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
- Provolone cheese slices (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
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Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off most of the excess fat.
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Add Vegetables: Introduce the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Season and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Customize the Flavor (Optional): For a deeper, richer flavor, stir in the tomato paste. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth and Tabasco sauce if you like a touch of heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to reach your perfect flavor profile.
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Prepare the Rolls: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, prepare the Kaiser rolls. Slice them in half and spread butter on both cut sides. Brown them on a griddle or in a separate skillet until lightly toasted. This step adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
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Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the flavorful sloppy joe mixture over the toasted Kaiser roll bottoms. Top with the roll tops.
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Optional Cheese Broiler Finish: For an extra touch of indulgence, top each sloppy joe with a slice of provolone cheese. Place them under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
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Serve Immediately: Serve these delicious Pioneer Woman sloppy joes immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joes Every Time
- Adjust the Spice: The recipe includes chili powder and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amounts to suit your family’s taste. Start with the recommended amounts and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier sloppy joe. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild chili powder.
- Customize Your Veggies: While onions and green peppers are classic, feel free to add other vegetables like diced red bell peppers, celery, or even mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Bun Options: Kaiser rolls are sturdy and hold up well to the saucy filling, but you can also use hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even toasted bread slices.
- Make it Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, cooked and cooled sloppy joe filling freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Pioneer Woman sloppy joes with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This sloppy joes recipe Pioneer Woman version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun get-together. With its rich, savory sauce and customizable spice level, it’s a step above your average sloppy joe. So ditch the canned sauce and try this homemade recipe – you’ll be amazed at the difference! Get ready to enjoy the best sloppy joes you’ve ever tasted, thanks to the Pioneer Woman’s culinary wisdom.
