She Strengthens

Satisfy Your Cravings with a Classic Twist

The Humble Sloppy Joe Gets a Flavor Boost

Who says sloppy Joes are just for kids? This comforting sandwich filling gets a serious upgrade with a few simple tweaks. By cooking down aromatic bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then adding rich tomato paste and savory ground beef or turkey, you’ll create a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

A Recipe with Roots

But where did this beloved sandwich originate? While its exact roots are unclear, one thing is certain: sloppy Joes have been a staple of school cafeterias and backyard barbecues for generations. Now, it’s time to take this classic to the next level.

Game-Changing Tips

To make the most of this recipe, remember:

• Let the flavors meld together by making the mixture up to 2 days in advance or freezing it for up to 1 month.
• Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own signature sloppy Joe.

The Recipe

Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 (14-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 6-8 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Instructions:

1. Heat Up the Pot: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Soften the Veggies: Add the peppers, onion, and garlic, season with salt, and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
3. Add the Tomato Paste: Stir to combine and cook until the raw flavor has cooked out, about 1 minute.
4. Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef or turkey, and cook until just cooked through, about 4 minutes.
5. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and measured salt, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Simmer Down: Add the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, Worcestershire, and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the flavors meld, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Pile the sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted buns and top with your favorite toppings, like our Cabbage and Carrot Herbed Slaw.