Looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joe recipe! This classic comfort food is elevated to another level with Ree Drummond’s signature touch, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. If you’re searching for the best Sloppy Joe Recipe Pioneer Woman style, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes are a Must-Try
Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is renowned for her approachable and flavorful recipes that are perfect for busy families. Her take on sloppy joes is no exception. This isn’t your average canned sauce version; it’s a homemade delight packed with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. What sets this Pioneer Woman sloppy joe recipe apart is the depth of flavor achieved through fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of seasonings. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both nostalgic and excitingly tasty.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic sloppy joe recipe Pioneer Woman style. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!
- 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)
- Tabasco sauce (optional; to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Kaiser rolls
- Butter
- Provolone cheese slices (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Sloppy Joes
Follow these simple steps to create Pioneer Woman sloppy joes that are bursting with flavor:
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. 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. This step builds a flavorful base for your sloppy joe sauce.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, and dry mustard. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Customize the Flavor: For an even richer taste, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce, if desired. These additions enhance the complexity of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
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Toast the Buns: While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the Kaiser rolls. Spread butter on the cut sides of the rolls and toast them on a griddle or in a skillet until lightly browned and crispy. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft sloppy joe filling.
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Assemble and Broil (Optional): Spoon the flavorful meat mixture generously over the toasted Kaiser roll bottoms. If you’re a cheese lover, top each sloppy joe with a slice of provolone cheese and place them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the buns!
Tips and Variations for Perfect Sloppy Joes
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness level. Some prefer a tangier sloppy joe, while others like it slightly sweeter.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other diced vegetables like celery, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these delicious Pioneer Woman sloppy joes immediately on toasted Kaiser rolls. They are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This sloppy joe recipe Pioneer Woman is truly a winner. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet flavorful enough to impress guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a homemade sloppy joe that surpasses any store-bought version. So, ditch the canned sauce and try this Pioneer Woman’s sloppy joe recipe for a family dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit!
