Homemade Sloppy Joes | The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Cold winter days always make me crave comfort food like nobody’s business! This week, I made one of my favorite comfort meals, Homemade Sloppy Joe’s on pretzel buns. I forgot how much I love this hearty, tangy recipe so I just have to share it again! 

I love how quickly Homemade Sloppy Joe’s come together on a school night, especially if you make a batch of the seasoning to keep on hand in the pantry. I like to use Stonewall Kitchen’s Country Ketchup instead of regular ketchup because it adds a little kick to the sauce, but not so much that my kids won’t enjoy it! 

I think you will find this recipe to be simple and delicious for a weeknight dinner or an easy recipe to double for a family gathering. The familiar flavors will help you and your family feel a little better about these cold winter days.

Eat well this winter,

Angie Eckert

P.S. If you are looking for a good deal on high quality ground beef, stop by the meat counter in our Belleville Country Store on Fridays in February. 

Homemade Sloppy Joe’s

Ingredients:
1 lb. Eckert’s ground beef, uncooked
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
2/3 cup ketchup (try Stonewall Kitchen Country Ketchup!)
1/2 cup water
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 pretzel buns
6 slices of cheese (optional)

Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning:
Make a batch as listed below. Or quadruple the ingredients below and store in an air tight container at room temperature. If quadrupling, use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1 pound of ground beef. (Note: 3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon)

1 tsp. Chili powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder (I like Coleman’s brand)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain beef and return skillet to medium heat. Add onions and peppers and saute for 3-4 minutes. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of sloppy joe seasoning. Whisk ingredients together before pouring over ground beef and vegetables. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Divide mixture between 6 buns, top with a slice of cheese and serve.