Sloppy Joes

The secrets are: finding the right balance of salt, cooking hot enough and long enough that the tomato caramelizes, and cooking as much liquid from the tomato sauce out as possible.

IngredientsClear All

• 1.5 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 15oz can tomato sauce
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• 2-3 tablespoons chili powder (or more!)
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbs worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbs cane vinegar (or white vinegar or rice vinegar)
• 3 tbs brown sugar
• 1 tbs salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook onions: Over medium-high heat, saute the onion in the olive oil with a pinch of the salt until the onions are soft and starting to caramelize.

2. Brown the meat: Add all the meat, the garlic and the rest of the salt. Break up the meat and cook until it's brown. If using ground beef you'll want to drain the oil off at this stage, then return it to the pan.

3. Add sauce and spices: Add the tomato sauce, paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, ground oregano, mustard, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

4. Reduce: Cook on high heat and stir regularly until most of the liquid has been cooked off. The tomato will start to brown in the pan, that's when you know you're almost done. Lower the heat to medium and cook a few minutes more. You should have a nice, thick gloppy texture.

5. Serve: Serve on toasted rolls, with hot sauce on the top if you like.

Notes

Substitutions:

• Can use celery in the mirepoix if desired (not used in this version)
• White vinegar or rice vinegar can substitute for cane vinegar

Tips:

• This recipe gets sweetness from caramelizing the tomato paste rather than using lots of sugar, creating a more savory flavor profile
• Use a dense, chewy roll (like a hoagie texture) rather than a soft hamburger bun
• Use a small bun - these are very filling!
• If using ground beef, drain excess oil after browning
• Cook hot enough and long enough to caramelize the tomato

Family notes: Most recipes use ketchup and 1/4 cup brown sugar for a sweeter version, but we prefer this more savory approach.

Source

Family recipe