Paula Deen Sloppy Joes Recipe

I’m excited to share Paula Deen’s Sloppy Joes recipe with you. This dish is a hit every time I make it for the fam!

Its rich, savory, and hearty flavor is what my eaters say is hard to resist.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

A key tip is to let the meat simmer long enough to soak up all the delicious flavors. Don’t rush this step—it really makes a difference.

For an extra touch, toast the buns lightly before serving (if that’s your thing of course!).

How to Make Paula Deen Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup French Onion Soup
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.

Make sure you break up the beef with a wooden spoon.

Once browned, drain excess fat.

Step 2:

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.

Continue cooking until the onion becomes tender and translucent.

Step 3:

Pour in the ketchup, water, French onion soup, and yellow mustard.

Stir the mixture well.

Bring it to a simmer.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the brown sugar and flour over the beef mixture.

Stir until the mixture thickens and is well-combined.

Step 5:

Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the sloppy joe mixture over toasted buns.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing the Right Beef

Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, but don’t worry about a little fat—it adds flavor!

Onion Consistency

Finely chop the onions so they blend better and contribute to a uniform texture.

Garlic Flavor

Fresh minced garlic works best to bring out robust flavor, so I recommend using fresh cloves over pre-minced garlic.

Sauce Choices

If you want to adjust sweetness, consider increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to suit your taste.

Thickening the Mixture

If the sloppy joe mix seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up before it’s ready to serve.

What to Serve with Paula Deen Sloppy Joes Recipe

Classic Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with a classic coleslaw to pair with sloppy joes.

The crunch of the fresh cabbage and the tangy dressing offer a perfect contrast to the rich, sweet flavors.

Make sure to prepare it in advance to give the flavors time to meld well together.

Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries

For something a bit healthier, try making oven-baked sweet potato fries.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory beef mixture really nicely.

Plus, they add a vibrant pop of color to your meal, making the whole plate more appealing.

BBQ Baked Beans

There’s something about barbecue baked beans that always goes well with sloppy joes.

The sweetness and smokiness of the beans really meld with the flavors of the dish.

It’s a comforting addition that’s simple to put together and can be made ahead of time.

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

If you want to try something unique, cheesy funeral potatoes are a fantastic option.

These creamy and cheesy potatoes are hearty and fill you up, complementing the sloppy joes nicely.

You can bake them at the same time as other dishes to save energy and time in the kitchen.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A cucumber and tomato salad is refreshing and adds a crisp texture to your meal.

The acidity from the tomatoes and the coolness of the cucumbers help balance the richness of the sloppy joes.

Dress it with a light vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor that will catch everyone by surprise.

Variations and Substitutions

You can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to lighten up your Sloppy Joes.

Vegetarians can swap meat for lentils or crumbled tofu for a hearty texture.

For a sweet and tangy twist, add a bit of pineapple juice or finely chopped apples to the mix.

You might consider using barbecue sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky flavor.

Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Customizing the Flavor

Experiment with different onions, like red or shallots, to change the flavor profile.

Adding Worcestershire sauce can provide a deeper, umami taste.

Feel free to add a splash of vinegar for a little zing!

Bread and Toppings

Serve on whole wheat buns for a nutty undertone.

Top with cheese or pickles to enhance the taste and texture.

Try toasted garlic bread instead of regular buns to add some crunch.

How to Store Leftover Paula Deen Sloppy Joes

It’s important to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh for your next meal!

First, you should let the sloppy joe mixture cool to room temperature before storing it.

This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which could make it soggy.

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled, transfer the sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its flavor and texture.

Freezer Storage

To extend its shelf life, you can opt to freeze the leftover sloppy joes.

Make sure the mixture is completely cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Label it with the date, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips for Storage

When freezing, try to flatten the bagged mixture to save space and enable quicker thawing later on.

Always ensure the container is sealed properly to prevent any leaks or odors from contaminating your sloppy joes.

Double-check that your freezer is set to the right temperature to maintain quality during storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Properly Breaking Up the Beef

When cooking the beef, make sure to crumble it thoroughly.

Larger chunks can make your sloppy joes less enjoyable since the sauce won’t soak in evenly.

Use a wooden spoon for better control over the size of the beef pieces.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients

I always recommend using freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onion in the recipe.

Pre-chopped or dried substitutes won’t bring out the authentic flavors you’re aiming for.

Take a little extra time to prepare fresh ingredients, and you’ll notice the difference.

Rushing the Simmering Process

Don’t skip the simmering step when making sloppy joes.

Allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes enhances the flavors and creates a delicious sauce.

Resist the urge to rush this critical step, and your taste buds will thank you!