This super simple Sloppy Joe recipe is a fantastic weeknight family meal that takes less than 30 minutes start to finish and uses ingredients that everybody has in their pantry. It's perfect for busy families especially now that school is almost back and we all need easy and quick dishes that you don't have to feel guilty about feeding your family. So why not skip the drive-thru tonight and give this Gourmet Mommie specialty a try!
Believe it or not, this recipe originated as a dish I made while pregnant and part of a book club. It was my turn to bring a dish to share and like most stereotypical pregnant mamas, I craved both sweet and sour foods to fill my tummy but my morning sickness or as I called it ALL DAY sickness limited the things that I could eat. On this particular day I had a craving for a nostalgic dish from my childhood but even before I was the Gourmet "Mommie", I have never been a fan of canned and processed foods. I figured I could come up with a sauce just as good as the canned stuff but without all the preservatives and ingredients I can't pronounce. My nausea also prevented me from standing on my feet for too long and this recipe was born. Add a side of dill pickles and voila, sweet and sour craving conquered!
This recipe also works really well in a crockpot if you have time in the morning to get it started - just place all the ingredients in a crockpot and cook for 2 hours on high - using lean ground turkey works really well for this because there is no oil to drain. Either way you cook it, this recipe is perfect for the busy mom who prefers homemade and yummy dishes over drive-thrus!
Ingredients
2 lbs Ground Turkey
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon Hamburger Seasoning or Garlic Pepper blend
1/2 cup diced Green Bell Pepper
1/2 tablespoon minced Garlic
Toasted Hamburger Buns
For the Sauce:
8 oz Tomato Sauce
3 oz Tomato Paste
1 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Barbeque Sauce
1/2 cup Ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/8 Cup Light Brown Sugar
Step 1: Let’s Get Started
Using a non-stick skillet, begin browning the ground meat over medium heat. While the meat browns, add salt and seasoning blend. Once the meat is fully browned, add bell peppers and cook until peppers begin to soften, about 2 - 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute more. Lower heat to medium low and simmer for two minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the meat simmers, make the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk together until sugar dissolves. Add the sauce to the pan of meat, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and fully coats the meat.
Step 3: Assemble Sandwiches
Brush hamburger buns with garlic olive oil or butter and place inside down on a griddle pan. Toast buns for 1 minute per side or until slightly golden but not hard.
Spoon approximately half cup of filling on each bun bottom and top with bun top. Serve immediately with you favorite chips or pickles.
Even better as leftovers!
My family really loves this so I make plenty for leftovers for the next day or to freeze. This batch makes about 8 servings. To freeze, simply follow all the steps up to assembling the sandwich. After it cools completely, pour the meat sauce into a freezer bag. Flatten the bag to prevent freezer burn and for easy storage. Place in freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to reheat the meat, let it defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours then reheat on top of the stove or in a crockpot.
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