Amy's Sloppy Joes

I have had plenty of bad sloppy joes. These are quick, and our picky kids clean them up. They are a great way to use some hamburger on a weeknight.

The secret is not a can of sauce. A few pantry staples, a pound of good ground beef, and about 20 minutes get you a saucy, slightly sweet, a little smoky sloppy joe that beats anything the lunch lady ever slopped on a tray. Because Diamond R hamburger is single-source and pasture-raised, you do not even need to drain it.

Amy's Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 lb hamburger
• 2 T onion, chopped
• 2 t garlic, chopped
• 3 T ketchup
• 2 t yellow mustard
• 1 T chili powder
• 1/4 t ground cumin
• 1 t red pepper flakes, if you like heat
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Saute the onion until soft and lightly browned in a little olive oil.
2. Add the garlic and saute for just a minute or two. Do not let it burn.
3. Brown the hamburger with the onion mixture. No need to drain Diamond R hamburger.
4. Add the ketchup, mustard, and spices. Stir and add a little water (or dark beer) to thin the mixture to your liking.
5. Serve on a toasted bun.

Tips for Better Sloppy Joes

• Toast the buns. A little butter on a hot skillet keeps the bread from going soggy under the filling.
• Do not drain Diamond R hamburger. The fat carries the flavor, and our 80/20 blend is not greasy.
• Thin the sauce with a splash of water, beef broth, or dark beer until it coats a spoon without being soupy.
• Like it sweeter? Add a teaspoon of brown sugar. Like it tangier? A splash of apple cider vinegar wakes it up.

What to Serve With Sloppy Joes

Keep it simple with kettle chips and pickles, or round it out with coleslaw, baked beans, or a pile of oven fries. Leftover filling is great spooned over a baked potato or scooped into a tortilla the next day.

Cooking through a freezer full of ground beef? A pot of our easy beef chili and a batch of homemade spaghetti sauce will get you through a busy week, and the kids never turn down homemade hamburger helper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ground beef for sloppy joes?

An 80/20 ground beef is ideal. It has enough fat to keep the filling moist and flavorful without turning greasy. Diamond R hamburger is single-source and pasture-raised, so you can skip the draining step and let all that flavor stay in the pan.

Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes. The filling actually tastes better the next day once the spices settle in. Make it up to 3 days ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it. Toast the buns fresh right before serving.

Do I have to drain the beef?

Not with Diamond R hamburger. Our 80/20 blend renders a small amount of fat that carries the flavor of the sauce, so there is no greasy puddle to pour off. If you use a fattier grocery-store beef, drain the excess before adding the sauce.

Can I freeze sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely. Cool the filling completely, then freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back together.

How do I make sloppy joes less sweet or more spicy?

Cut back on the ketchup and skip any added sugar for a less sweet joe, and add a splash of vinegar for tang. For heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or stir in a little hot sauce or diced jalapeno. Taste as you go and adjust.

Any questions, email me. I would love to help.

These start with real ground beef. Diamond R Ground Beef is 80/20, single-animal, and pasture-raised on our family ranch in Independence, Kansas, never blended and never mystery meat. Reserve a Ground Beef Box and keep sloppy joe night on the menu.