Kim'S Sloppy Joes
Kim's Sloppy Joes feature a rich, tangy, and sweet meat sauce with bold flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dark molasses ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 6 oz. can tomato juice ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet, then add chopped onion and cook until onion is soft and transparent.
- Add ketchup, brown sugar, prepared yellow mustard, cider vinegar, salt, dark molasses, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, and tomato paste.
- Add enough water to the mixture so it's soupy.
- Simmer in an electric skillet until the desired consistency is reached.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, you can add more brown sugar or replace it with honey. If you're short on ketchup, a mix of tomato sauce and a bit of sugar works well. For added depth, consider incorporating smoked paprika or chipotle powder. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kim's Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns for a classic experience. Pair them with a side of crispy coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a delightful meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving with Grandma Jones' Corn Dish for a satisfying spread. Don’t forget to offer pickles or jalapenos on the side for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kim'S Sloppy Joes contains roughly 275 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2738mg per serving (119% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I serve with sloppy joes?
Sloppy joes are versatile; you can serve them with a variety of sides. Try pairing them with classic sides like potato chips, macaroni salad, or even a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. For a heartier meal, consider White Baked Beans.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Each will offer a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences.
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).