Grandma Jo’s Southern Sloppy Joe Sandwiches:
Ingredients (Serves 6)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (for baking on top)
10–12 hamburger buns, split
2 tablespoons softened butter (for toasting buns)
Optional: 6–8 slices American or cheddar cheese
Optional garnish: sliced dill pickles and pickled jalapeños
Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Skillet Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
2️⃣ Season and Simmer
Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
Reduce heat to medium-low, let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Bake for Caramelized Edges
Dot the top of the sloppy joe mixture with butter pieces.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake 10–12 minutes, or until the top edges get slightly caramelized.
4️⃣ Toast the Buns
While the sloppy joe bakes, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns.
Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown and crisp.
5️⃣ Assemble and Serve
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto toasted buns.
Optional: Add a slice of cheese on top while hot to melt.
Garnish with dill pickles and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Serving Tips:
Serve with oven fries, chips, or coleslaw.
For a crowd, keep the skillet warm in a low oven and let everyone build their own sandwiches.
Leftover filling works beautifully over baked potatoes or rice the next day.
