Sloppy Joes With Rice
Savory Sloppy Joes with rice combine flavorful seasoned beef in a rich barbecue sauce, served over fluffy rice, perfect for quick, satisfying family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped pepper in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in barbecue sauce into the beef mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring water and salt to a boil in a separate pot.
- Stir in rice, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let rice stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve the meat mixture over the cooked rice.
- Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sloppy Joes over rice and top with shredded Cheddar cheese for extra richness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or coleslaw for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It's a perfect dish for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the rice has dried out, add a splash of water before reheating to help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sloppy Joes With Rice contains roughly 616 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before adding the barbecue sauce.
What if I don't have barbecue sauce?
If you don't have barbecue sauce, you can make a quick substitute using ketchup, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. Combine these ingredients to taste, adding brown sugar or honey for sweetness if desired.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and rice in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy nights.
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).