Grandma'S Barbecue(Sloppy Joes)
Savory, sweet sloppy joe topping packed with classic barbecue flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain the excess fat.
- Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, ginger, cloves, salt, pepper, and optional onions.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve over buns or as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground pork. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute with a sugar alternative or omit it altogether. Fresh onions add a great crunch, but if you're short on time, dried onions or onion powder work just as well. Adjust the seasonings to your taste for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue mixture on toasted buns for a classic Sloppy Joe experience. Pair with coleslaw or potato chips for a crunchy side. For a twist, try it over baked potatoes or as a filling for stuffed peppers. It also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Chili In Pastry Cups for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Barbecue(Sloppy Joes) contains roughly 133 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1296mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes for ground beef. They will yield a lighter dish, but you might need to adjust the seasoning and add a bit more sauce to maintain moisture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture. This will give your Sloppy Joes a nice kick without overpowering the original flavors.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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).