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Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Delicious homemade Sloppy Joe sandwiches featuring a savory filling of ground beef, caramelized vegetables, and melted provolone cheese in buttery toasted rolls—a nostalgic comfort food perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 475
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Look for 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture.
  • 1.25 tsp salt Feel free to adjust to taste or use a low-sodium option if preferred.
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper Freshly cracked pepper will yield a more robust flavor.
  • 2.5 tbsp butter Room temperature butter works best for toasting the rolls.
  • 1 onion diced into 1/2-inch pieces Yellow onion adds sweetness; sweet onions can also be used.
  • 1 green bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch pieces Any color bell pepper can be used for added sweetness.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic can also be used for a deeper flavor—about 2 cloves.
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika Adds a subtle smokiness; optional.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce A must for umami flavor; look for vegan Worcestershire for a vegetarian option.
  • 0.5 cup beef broth Homemade broth is ideal but store-bought works well too.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch For thickening; whisk it with a bit of cold water before adding.
  • 4 slices provolone cheese Melted mozzarella can be a delicious alternative.
  • 4 rolls toasted with a bit of butter Substitute with whole grain or gluten-free rolls if desired.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dice the onion and green bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
  2. Slice the provolone cheese and prepare the rolls by toasting them with butter until golden brown.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with 1.25 tsp salt and 0.75 tsp black pepper until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 2.5 tbsp of butter and sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
  4. Return the beef to the skillet along with 0.5 tsp of garlic powder and 0.25 tsp of smoked paprika. Stir in 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce and 0.5 cup of beef broth. Allow everything to simmer for about 1 minute or until heated through.
  5. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water until smooth. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir until the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Top the beef mixture with the provolone cheese slices, allowing them to melt over the heat for about 2 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted rolls.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Chef's Tips: Avoid overcooking the beef—aim for a nice brown without drying it out. If you want extra cheesiness, throw an additional slice on top!