Barbecue Or Sloppy Joes

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Juicy, flavorful sloppy joes with a smoky barbecue twist, perfect for hearty sandwiches and casual gatherings, combining savory beef, sweet brown sugar, and bold spices.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. ground beef or shredded roast
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 4 tsp. celery seed
  • 2 small bottles catsup

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to the meat mixture and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. Serve the mixture as great sandwiches, optionally with cooked, cubed pork.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter flavor, consider adjusting the brown sugar to suit your taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked shredded roast can speed up the process. To enhance the flavor further, try adding Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. Pairing this dish with a side of coleslaw can provide a nice crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecue or sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns for a delightful sandwich. Complement it with sides like potato chips, fries, or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, consider adding pickles on top. This dish also pairs beautifully with coleslaw for a refreshing contrast, or try a side of baked beans for a hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Or Sloppy Joes contains roughly 377 calories, with 11g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (417% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2268mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

377 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.9g 22% DV
Total Fat 5.6g 7% DV
Carbs 82.6g 30% DV
Fiber 21.6g 77% DV
Sugar 58.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2268.3mg 99% DV
Potassium 1600.7mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 362.2mcg 40% DV
Vitamin C 375.4mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 163.6mg 13% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a healthier version. Shredded pork or beef also works well, providing a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Balance the heat with a touch more brown sugar if needed to avoid overwhelming the flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this barbecue or sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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