"Lotsa" Sloppy Joes
A hearty, flavorful sloppy joe recipe with a tangy and sweet barbecue twist, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, easily made in a crock-pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add onion flakes, tomato juice, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard to the beef.
- Mix well and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Transfer to a crock-pot and cook on low for additional flavor blending.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on buns to make sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the brown sugar or substitute it with maple syrup. For a healthier option, you can replace half of the ground beef with ground turkey or lentils, creating a twist on classic beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on soft burger buns, and consider pairing it with coleslaw or pickles for a crunchy contrast. Sweet potato fries or a simple green salad also make excellent sides. For a fun twist, try serving it over baked potatoes or in a wrap for a unique take reminiscent of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. For longer storage, freeze the mixture for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Lotsa" Sloppy Joes contains roughly 99 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You could also use spicy barbecue sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
What can I serve instead of buns?
If you're looking for alternatives to buns, consider serving the Sloppy Joe mixture over rice, quinoa, or even inside bell peppers for a low-carb option. Lettuce wraps also make a fresh and crunchy alternative.
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).