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Sloppy Joe

Introduction & method

Every American knows what a sloppy joe is but I'm not sure about the rest of the world - certainly these dribbly saucy meaty sandwiches haven't really crossed the pond to the UK. But they're well worth a try.

 Sloppy Joe Recipe

Prep the Veggies


Finely dice the onion and the bell peppers. You could also slip in a carrot and finely dice that but it's optional.

Cook the Sauce


Heat the oil in a frying pan, skillet or casserole on medium-low heat. And the onion and gently cook without browning for five minutes. Add the bell peppers and carrot (if using) and sweat those for a few minutes then turn up the heat a bit and add the minced beef. Break it up with a spatula and get it browned all over. Now add the tomato-based products, the mustard (whatever kind you like), the brown sugar, smoked paprika and balsamic vinegar, and stir them in well. Don't forget the Worcestersire sauce (or Henderson's Relish if you can get it). Crumble the stock cube over, stir that in, turn down the heat, put a lid on and let it cook for 20 minutes. You'll want to check it now and again to make sure it's not sticking - add a bit of water if it is. After this time, check it for seasoning and adjust the consistency - if it's too wet, thicken it by sifting in some flour - if it's too dry add a bit of water.

Prep the Buns


Split the buns horizontally and lightly toast the cut sides on a griddle plate or a hot dry frying pan. Spread generously with sloppy joe sauce.


The video above is from the Keef Cooks YouTube channel. Click here to see the video recipe of Sloppy Joe on YouTube.

 
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Ingredients & Info



 450 grams lean minced (ground) beef
 1 small onion
 half a green bell pepper
 half a red bell pepper
 a dollop of tomato puree
 2-3 tbsp tomato passata
 1-2 tbsp tomato ketchup
 1 tsp mustard
 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
 1-2 tbsp dark brown sugar
 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 chicken stock (bouillon) cube
  salt and pepper to taste
 4 burger buns

PLUS

oil for sautéeing


UNITS:
Metric
US Customary/Imperial

Makes 4 
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Total time: 40 minutes.