Absolutely! Let’s dive into the world of Mel’s Sloppy Joesโa recipe straight from the heart of family kitchens, perfected by generations and cherished for its comforting flavors and simplicity. ๐
Mel’s Sloppy Joes Recipe
Overview:
- Name: Mel’s Sloppy Joes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Description: This is my mom’s recipe for her FANTASTIC sloppy joes. It can easily be halved or increased. Great meal for movie night at our house.
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Meat, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 408.8
- Fat: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 73.7mg
- Sodium: 1493.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 12.3g
- Protein: 29.2g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | lean ground beef |
| 2 | tomato sauce |
| 1 | chili sauce |
| – | Mel’s Chili Sauce |
| – | salt |
| – | ground black pepper |
| – | onion powder |
| – | garlic powder |
Instructions:
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Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
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Add Sauces: To the skillet, add the tomato sauce and chili sauce. These are the heart of Mel’s Sloppy Joes, infusing the dish with rich, tangy flavors.
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Season to Taste: Sprinkle in your desired amount of salt, a dash of ground black pepper for that extra kick, onion powder for depth, and garlic powder for aromatic goodness. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, ensuring every bite is just perfect.
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Simmer to Perfection: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until it begins to thicken. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that signature Sloppy Joe magic.
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Serve with Love: Scoop generous portions of Mel’s Sloppy Joe mixture onto soft, toasted hamburger buns. This recipe makes enough for 8 hearty hamburger bun sandwiches and 2 delicious open-face sandwiches.
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Sidekick Suggestion: For the ultimate movie night feast, pair your Sloppy Joes with crispy French Fries. And if you want to elevate your fry game, whip up a batch of Utah-style French Fry Sauce for dipping. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Cooking Notes:
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Recipe Flexibility: Mel’s Sloppy Joes is a versatile dish. Easily halve the recipe for a smaller gathering or double it up for a crowd.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Simply reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
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Freezing Tips: This recipe freezes beautifully! Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in airtight containers or freezer bags for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions:
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Garnish Galore: Top your Sloppy Joes with a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and color.
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Veggie Boost: For a nutritious twist, add finely diced bell peppers or carrots to the beef mixture. It’s a sneaky way to pack in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor.
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Sidekick Sensations: Besides French Fries, Mel’s Sloppy Joes play well with a variety of sides. Try serving them alongside a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even a platter of crunchy pickles.
Conclusion:
Mel’s Sloppy Joes is more than just a recipeโit’s a taste of home, a cozy meal that brings families together, and a surefire hit for any gathering. Whether it’s a casual movie night or a weekend feast, these Sloppy Joes are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and get ready to savor every messy, delicious bite! ๐๐ฌ
