Lunch Lady Sloppy Joes
The ultimate comfort food, Lunch Lady Sloppy Joes are hearty and delicious, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This easy weeknight dinner features seasoned beef, tangy sauce, and soft buns that will satisfy any craving. Make it tonight for a taste of nostalgia!
Equipment
- 12-inch Non-Stick Skillet
Ingredients
- 2¼ lbs lean ground beef
- 4 tsp dried minced onion flakes
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (6-oz) tomato paste
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1⅓ cup water
- 4½ Tbsp white vinegar
- 1½ tsp dry mustard
- 2½ Tbsp brown sugar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want to ensure it’s browned thoroughly and there’s no pink remaining. The beef should be nicely caramelized.
- Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to avoid a greasy sauce later. Return the skillet to the heat and add the dried minced onion flakes and garlic powder. Stir them in, letting their flavors infuse the beef for a minute.
- Next, add the tomato paste to the skillet. Use a spatula to mix it in thoroughly with the beef, creating a rich base.
- Pour in the ketchup and stir well. As you mix it in, you’ll notice the sauce becoming thicker and more vibrant.
- Add the water to the mixture, adjusting the consistency, and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and add the white vinegar, dry mustard, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, so it doesn’t stick.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors are spot on, remove the skillet from the heat. Gather your buns and prepare to serve.
- Finally, spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Tip 2: Consider adding diced bell peppers or fresh onions for extra texture.
- Tip 3: Are sloppy joes gluten-free? Yes! All ingredients are gluten-free, just ensure gluten-free ketchup is used.
- Tip 4: Can Sloppy Joes be made in advance? Yes! Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- Tip 5: Can Sloppy Joes be frozen? Yes! Let the meat mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze. To reheat, thaw completely and heat on the stove or microwave.