Mom'S Barbecues(Sloppy Joes)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy, flavorful Sloppy Joes with savory ground beef, onions, and peppers in a tangy sauce, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings. Versatile and crowd-pleasing.

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Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 lb. ground round hamburger
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 small green pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
  • 3/4 c. ketchup
  • 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper in a small amount of vegetable oil.
  2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, light brown sugar, ketchup, and salt.
  3. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Serve on toasted buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh onion and green pepper with onion powder and bell pepper flakes. To adjust the sweetness, swap the light brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. Feel free to add some hot sauce for an extra kick, or incorporate ingredients from other American recipes for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sloppy joes on toasted buns and consider pairing them with classic sides like coleslaw or potato chips. For a heartier meal, you might enjoy serving them with Grandma Jane's Calico Beans or Nana's Baked Beans. Adding pickles or jalapeños can enhance the flavor profile and add a delightful crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or ketchup to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Barbecues(Sloppy Joes) contains roughly 124 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1417mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

124 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 25.6g 9% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 19.2g 38% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1417.1mg 62% DV
Potassium 149.4mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 5.1mg 6% DV
Calcium 37.3mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit 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! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats may require less time to cook.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce with the other ingredients. You can also experiment with adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture for a spicier kick.

What can I serve with sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even baked beans. For a fun twist, try them with a side of Hamburger Hot Dogs for a unique meal experience.

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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