Ina Garten Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ina Garten’s sloppy joes are an extra delicious take on this classic home meal.

The key to making these sloppy joes an overwhelming hit is in the balance of flavors, using ground beef, ketchup, and tomato sauce in just the right way.

For the best result, take your time to caramelize the onions and peppers to add depth to the dish.

More great tips below!

How to Make Ina Garten Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1 Tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 large Yellow Onion (minced)
• 1/3 Green Bell Pepper (minced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 8 oz. Tomato Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 4 Hamburger Buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

Drain excess fat if needed and set the beef aside.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, sauté minced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until tender.

Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.

Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and ketchup to the skillet.

Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4:

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.

Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Allow the flavors to blend well together.

Step 5:

Toast hamburger buns slightly if preferred.

Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Ground Beef:

For extra flavor, look for ground beef with a bit of fat like 80/20, which helps keep the meat juicy.

Customize Spice Level:

If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.

Experiment with Buns:

To add variety, consider serving the mix on different breads like brioche buns or even over baked potatoes.

Make It Ahead:

This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which makes it great for busy nights.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Adjust Sweetness and Acidity:

Feel free to tweak the balance of sweetness and acidity by adjusting the ketchup and brown sugar ratios to fit your taste.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Sloppy Joes

Classic Coleslaw

When you think of traditional sides for Sloppy Joes, classic coleslaw often comes to mind.

The crisp, fresh texture and the tangy dressing create a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Sloppy Joes.

I find that making the coleslaw an hour before serving allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Pickle Spears

Pickle spears are a simple yet effective accompaniment to Ina Garten’s Sloppy Joes.

The vinegar tang and crisp crunch of pickles provide a perfect balance to the savoriness of the Sloppy Joes.

Offering these on the side gives you a sharp and satisfying bite with every juicy burger.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad is always a great choice to put a lighter touch on your meal.

You can use a mix of fresh greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty complement to the bold sloppy joes.

Adding a handful of cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices to this salad gives it both color and flavor.

Sweet Potato Fries

Why not try serving sweet potato fries as a side for something different?

These fries add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy, savory notes of the Sloppy Joes.

Baking them in the oven with a sprinkle of paprika gives them an additional yummy touch.

Creamy Avocado Dip

Avocado dip may not be the first thing you think of for Sloppy Joes, but trust me, it works!

The creamy, smooth texture of avocado can be a refreshing accompaniment, especially with the spicier variations of Sloppy Joes.

This dip also offers a healthy and tasty way to round out your meal.

Grilled Pineapple Slices

For a tropical twist, try serving grilled pineapple slices alongside your Sloppy Joes.

The caramelized sweetness from grilling gives the pineapple an irresistible taste that pairs unexpectedly well with the dish.

It’s a fun way to add a bit of surprise to your meal!

Variations and Substitutions

When making Ina Garten’s Sloppy Joes, don’t be afraid to experiment a little.

Switching out ingredients can make the dish just as tasty and maybe even a bit more exciting.

Beef Broth Instead of Water

Use beef broth instead of water for a richer, more flavorful sauce.

It enhances the taste without overpowering the other ingredients.

This simple change can make the Sloppy Joes taste like you’ve been simmering them all day!

Alternative Proteins

Trying ground turkey or chicken is a great option if you want something lighter.

These proteins soak up the flavors just as well and make for a unique twist.

Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to keep the meat juicy.

Vegetarian Option

Consider using lentils or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version.

These plant-based alternatives are nutritious and absorb flavors beautifully.

You might find this veggie option surprisingly hearty and satisfying!

Spice It Up

Add a bit of spice with chili flakes or hot sauce to give your Sloppy Joes an extra kick.

A little heat can transform this classic comfort food into something exciting.

Mix and match these substitutions to suit your taste and have fun with it!

How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes

Refrigeration Tips

Store leftover Sloppy Joes in the refrigerator to keep them tasting great.

Place the cooled mixture in an airtight container and find a spot in the fridge where it’s particularly cold.

This way, you can enjoy them for 3 to 4 days without losing flavor!

Freezing Instructions

If you want your Sloppy Joes to last even longer, freezing is your friend!

Transfer the leftovers into a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.

This method will keep them fresh for 2 to 3 months, ready for a quick meal any time.

Check for Freshness

It’s important to check your Sloppy Joes for spoilage before you eat them.

Look for any strange colors, textures, or unpleasant smells to determine if they’ve gone bad.

Always trust your senses to decide if they’re still good to eat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Balancing Flavors

When you’re making sloppy joes, one common mistake is letting one flavor dominate the others.

You might need to adjust the amount of ketchup to better balance the sweetness.

Choosing the right mustard can also help achieve the piquancy you desire!

Creating the Perfect Sauce

Finding the right sauce consistency can be tricky.

You don’t want a sauce that’s too thick, but you also don’t want it so runny that it spills everywhere.

A little thickness helps the sauce stay neatly in the bun.

Overloading the Bun

It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can lead to a messy meal.

Start with a moderate amount, and only add more if the bun can handle it.

This keeps everything neat and still delicious.