Just like many home cooks, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and satisfying for the whole family. Recently, while thinking about quick and hearty meals, I realized it had been a while since I made something truly meaty and comforting. That’s when I remembered the Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes recipe.
Confession time: while I love cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, my real passion lies in baking and creating sweet treats. Main courses, though necessary, sometimes feel less exciting. However, every now and then, a recipe comes along that reignites my enthusiasm for savory dishes, and this Pioneer Woman recipe is definitely one of them.
I’ve been a fan of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, for her down-to-earth approach to cooking and her delicious, family-friendly recipes. Surprisingly, this was the first time I was actually making one of her recipes for my blog. I often browse her site for inspiration, but with so much great content already available on her platform, sharing it here felt a bit redundant. However, the deliciousness of these Pioneer Sloppy Joes was too good not to share, and sometimes, a little reminder of a fantastic recipe is all we need.
So, if you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than the original Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes recipe, which you can find on her site Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes. But for your convenience, and because I want to rave about how amazing they are, I’m also sharing the recipe right here, along with my experience making them.
Initially, I was just using my phone to snap some quick pictures – camera battery woes, you know? And I even made a half batch, thinking it might be too much. Big mistake! These pioneer sloppy joes were so good, I instantly regretted not making a full batch to freeze for future meals.
Pioneer Woman’s Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Flavor Explosion
This recipe isn’t just your average sloppy joe mix. It’s packed with flavor and depth, thanks to a combination of savory and slightly sweet ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible pioneer sloppy joes:
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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Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain off most of the excess fat.
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Add diced onions, 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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Pour in ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, and dry mustard. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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For an even richer flavor, stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is where you can customize it to your perfect taste.
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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 skillet until lightly browned and crispy. This toasting step is crucial for preventing soggy buns!
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Spoon the flavorful meat mixture generously over the toasted Kaiser rolls.
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For an extra touch of deliciousness, top each pioneer 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. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
The Verdict: Best Sloppy Joes Ever!
Seriously, these pioneer sloppy joes are in a league of their own. The depth of flavor is incredible – they are savory, slightly sweet, and have just the right amount of zing without being overly spicy. I even reduced the chili powder slightly, as I prefer my sloppy joes to be more on the savory side, but the recipe is easily adjustable to your spice preference.
The toasted Kaiser rolls add the perfect texture contrast to the saucy filling, and the melted provolone cheese takes them over the top. From now on, this is officially my go-to sloppy joe recipe. Unless, of course, I stumble upon another recipe that dares to challenge its top spot!
And as for dinner plans that night? We ended up grilling – though the “we” is often loosely interpreted as my husband handling the grill. But that’s a story (and recipe!) for another post.
What about you? Are you grilling tonight? And more importantly, are you going to try these pioneer sloppy joes? You absolutely should! Let me know in the comments below what you think!
