Can Sloppy Joes be made ahead of time?

Yes, the meat mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Yes, you can use various types of ground meat for Sloppy Joes, including turkey, chicken, or pork. If going this route, skip the tenderizing step with the baking soda.

How does baking soda tenderize the beef?

Baking soda raises the pH level of the meat’s surface, making it more alkaline. This change in pH disrupts the protein structure in the meat, making it more tender. Baking soda also accelerates browning, which boosts the flavor of the dish.

Sloppy Joes - Once Upon a Chef

Sloppy Joes

By Jenn Segal

Effortlessly delicious and universally loved, Sloppy Joes are the tasty (and yes, slightly messy) champion of quick dinners and game day feasts.

Servings: 4 to 6

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Total Time: 45 Minutes

Ingredients

1¼ pounds 90% lean ground beef
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for buns
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dry mustard
1 (14-oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank's, or to taste
Hamburger buns

Instructions

In a medium bowl, using your hands, mash the beef with the baking soda. Let it sit on the counter for 20 to 25 minutes to tenderize.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and set a rack in the middle position.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes.
Add the beef, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and dry mustard and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until mostly brown, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, butter the inside of the buns and place on a baking sheet, butter side up. Toast in the oven until warmed through and lightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
Taste the sloppy Joe mixture and adjust seasonings. (If you like your Sloppy Joes sweet, feel free to add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.) Spoon the mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns and serve.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The meat mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the microwave om on the stovetop until hot.

Pair with

Sweet & Tangy Citrus Slaw

Nutrition Information

Per serving (5 servings)
Serving size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 406
Fat: 18 g
Saturated fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Sugar: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 29 g
Sodium: 887 mg
Cholesterol: 86 mg