Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food, and when it comes to making them truly exceptional, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, knows best. If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes recipe. This isn’t just another ground beef recipe; it’s a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What makes Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes stand out? It’s the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, with a depth of flavor that comes from fresh ingredients and a thoughtful blend of spices. Forget bland, forget boring – this recipe elevates the humble Sloppy Joe to a whole new level.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes are a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about throwing ground beef and ketchup together. It’s a carefully crafted combination of ingredients that create a symphony of flavors.
Flavorful Foundation
The recipe starts with a base of ground beef cooked to perfection, then layered with diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic. This aromatic trio builds a robust foundation that is far from ordinary. The sautéed vegetables add both texture and sweetness, complementing the richness of the beef.
The Secret Sauce
The sauce is where the magic truly happens. A generous amount of ketchup is balanced with water, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes. This blend creates a tangy, slightly spicy, and perfectly sweet sauce that coats every morsel of beef. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and optional tomato paste and Tabasco sauce add even more complexity and depth.
Easy to Customize
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more brown sugar. Prefer a richer flavor? Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. This recipe is a fantastic starting point that you can tailor to your family’s preferences.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes
Ready to create your own batch of incredible Sloppy Joes? Here’s the recipe, broken down step-by-step for easy cooking:
Ingredients:
- 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 (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- Tabasco sauce (optional; to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Kaiser rolls
- Butter
- Provolone cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
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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 until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off most of the excess fat.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin 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. 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 pepper to taste.
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Add Optional Flavors: If desired, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce for extra depth of flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to your liking.
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Prepare the Rolls: While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, prepare the Kaiser rolls. Slice them in half and spread butter on the cut sides. Toast the rolls 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 mixture over the toasted bottoms of the Kaiser rolls. Top with the roll tops. For an extra touch, you can add a slice of provolone cheese on top of the meat mixture and place the assembled Sloppy Joes under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes
- Don’t Skimp on the Vegetables: The onions, peppers, and garlic are essential for building flavor. Sautéing them before adding the sauce makes a big difference.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the Kaiser rolls adds a wonderful texture contrast and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to customize the spice level to your preference. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Consider Cheese: Provolone cheese melted on top is a fantastic addition, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.
- Make it a Meal: Serve your Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Sloppy Joe Recipe
Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes are more than just a quick weeknight dinner; they’re a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s considered the best Sloppy Joe recipe out there. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional Sloppy Joe experience!
