Sloppy Joe Sandwiches(Cooking For A Crowd)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 100 Cuisine: American

These hearty Sloppy Joe sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd with their savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Made with ground beef, onions, and a flavorful sauce, they are ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, offering a comforting and satisfying meal for many hungry appetites.

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Ingredients

  • 20 lb. lean ground beef
  • 3 c. chopped onions
  • 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 lb. brown sugar
  • 1 c. prepared mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 gal. ketchup
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
  2. Add chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, prepared mustard, chili powder, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the beef.
  3. Simmer or cook in an electric roaster for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve on hamburger buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic to the beef mixture. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or a meat substitute to create a similar texture. This recipe is great for large gatherings, so feel free to double or halve as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns for a classic experience. Pair with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast, or sweet potato fries for a delightful side. This dish also pairs beautifully with Liz Wood's Chili Cheese Squares for a hearty meal spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Sandwiches(Cooking For A Crowd) contains roughly 2685 calories, with 26g protein, 590g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (318% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

2685 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.5g 53% DV
Total Fat 37.3g 48% DV
Carbs 589.8g 100% DV
Fiber 19g 68% DV
Sugar 514.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 2039.9mg 43% DV
Cholesterol 28.7mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2863.1mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 129.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1155.7mg 89% DV
Iron 13.7mg 76% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version of Sloppy Joes. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure to monitor the cooking time, as turkey may cook faster.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Sloppy Joes gluten-free, use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Check labels of all condiments to avoid hidden gluten. The recipe remains tasty and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe filling?

Absolutely! The Sloppy Joe filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

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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