Jim'S Sloppy Joes
Savory, tangy sloppy joes with a smoky note, perfect for casual family meals or game day, featuring sweet, acidic, and hearty flavors that satisfy all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet, stirring often to break up the meat into fine crumbles.
- Drain excess fat and any liquid by placing the skillet contents in a colander or using a Rubbermaid colander over a measuring bowl, allowing the fat to drip into the bowl.
- Return the drained meat and onion to a clean pan, add vinegar, sugar, and mustard, and stir to combine.
- Add ketchup, stir, and simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on buns, or as a dip with chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly or use brown sugar instead. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sloppy joes on toasted hamburger buns for a classic presentation. They pair well with a side of coleslaw or potato chips for crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of chili or a fresh salad. For more delicious American recipes, check out similar comfort food dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim'S Sloppy Joes contains roughly 191 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 make sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you prefer not to use ketchup, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. You may need to adjust the sugar and vinegar levels to achieve the desired sweet and tangy flavor. A mix of barbecue sauce and tomato paste can also work well.
Can I freeze sloppy joes?
Absolutely! Sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove.
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).