Mo's Place

Growing up we all had the classic Manwich Sloppy Joes and most of us loved them. When I became an adult and had kids of my own I couldn’t wait to make them the same classic meal my husband and I both enjoyed growing up. But I also wanted to make sure that it was healthy. So after some research online and some trial and error I found the best recipe for Homemade Sloppy Joes.

At first my husband just wanted to stick to the classic canned sauce for this meal but once I tweaked the recipe just right we never ate them another way again. It does take a little prep work and as always I encourage you to play with the recipe and make it your own.

Ingredients for Homemade Sloppy Joes

• 1 lb. Ground Beef (or Ground Buffalo, trust me it’s amazing!)
• 1 Bell Pepper
• 1/3- 1/2 cup onion ( according to your taste)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (a little more or less according to your taste)
• 3/4 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder ( you can add more for a spicier version)
• 1 Cup Ketchup
• 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• Hamburger Buns

**( Bonus optional step; 3 Tablespoons butter and 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic to make Toasted Garlic Buns for serving)**

Let’s Get Started

I usually make the sauce in the morning and leave it in the fridge until dinner. This way the ingredients have time to really blend together. But I’ve also just mixed it together right at dinner time because it is so good either way.

1. There are 2 ways you can do this:
   1. You can sauté the Onion, Garlic and Bell Pepper in butter before adding the Ground Beef. This gives the veggies a different flavor and texture. But personally I like the crunch of the fresher veggies by just adding them to the sauce
2. If you don’t sauté the veggies mix them with the rest of the ingredients. (Except the Ground Beef) Then set aside.
3. In a Dutch Oven add the Ground beef and cook through. Once done drain any extra fat and put the Beef back in the pot.
4. Then add the sauce and stir to mix well. Cook on Medium to Medium low to heat up and thicken the sauce. This will take anywhere from 5-10 minutes depending on your stove.
5. *Bonus optional step: These Sloppy Joes are GREAT just as cooked to this point. But if you really want to elevate this meal make toasted garlic buns for them.
   1. It’s really just like making Garlic bread but with buns. Turn your oven to Broil.
   2. Take about 3 Tablespoons soft butter and mix in 1 Teaspoon Garlic. (or according to your taste) Then spread it on the buns.
   3. Place Tray of Buns on Middle rack of your oven and let cook for 2-4 minutes, Just until the tops look lite golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn fast.
6. Once the Sauce has thickened and your Buns are ready take a serving spoon and place the Sloppy Joe Mix on the buns and enjoy. And as an additional bonus (for the Adults) Pair with the Discoveries Pinot Noir.

I Hope Your Family Enjoys This Meal as Much as Mine Does

This is the only way we eat Sloppy Joes in my house since I finally nailed down a recipe that my family loves. And for my husband and I to enjoy this meal with a glass of Fine Wine makes it that much better. I’ve always played with recipes to adjust them and make them to my families tastes and sometimes it took a lot of trail and error but this one was good almost everyway I’ve made it. As always like my dad taught me “Play with your food”. You never know what you’ll come up with, plus it’s a lot of fun along the way! From my family to yours, I hope you enjoy this meal and the time spent with your family while making it and eating together. Salute!

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