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The Absolute Best
Southern Sloppy Joe's

Craving something hearty and satisfying for lunch or dinner? Let me tell you about these amazing homemade sloppy joes! They’re a delicious twist on the classic, made with a rich, tangy sauce featuring ketchup, tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. The flavors come together perfectly for that nostalgic, messy sandwich we all love, but with a little extra flair. Whether you’re using the Instant Pot for quick convenience or simmering it on the stovetop for that slow-cooked taste, this recipe is super easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll file this recipe in the keeper section!

Easy Sloppy Joes with Turkey

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Southern Sloppy Joe's

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What Goes Well With Sloppy Joes?

Instant Pot
Homemade Sloppy Joe Burgers

Stove Top Directions and Variations Below

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Sloppy Joe Burgers

 

Cook the Meat:

  • If using frozen meat, place turkey breakfast sausage, ground turkey or hamburger, and beef broth in the Instant Pot.

Secure the lid and set it to sealing (not venting).

  • Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by an instant release.

  • Wait until the pressure valve goes down, then open the lid.

Process the Cooked Meat:

  • Transfer the cooked sausage to a food processor.

  • Pulse until the sausage is in bite-sized pieces, then return it to the Instant Pot.

Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Add diced onion and bell pepper to the food processor and pulse until finely diced. Alternatively, dice them by hand.

  • Add the onions and bell peppers to the Instant Pot.

Combine the Ingredients:

Add minced bacon, drained diced tomatoes, one can of tomato paste, pepper, garlic salt, ketchup, brown sugar, finely chopped jalapenos, and Worcestershire sauce to the Instant Pot.

Mix everything thoroughly.

Cook the Mixture:

  • Place the lid back on the Instant Pot, ensuring it is set to sealing.

  • Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by an instant release.

  • Once the pressure valve goes down, open the lid.

Finish the Sauce:

  • Add the remaining can of tomato paste to the mixture and stir well until fully combined.

Prepare the Buns:

  • Butter each half of the hamburger buns lightly.

  • Toast them in a frying pan until they are golden brown.

Assemble the Sloppy Joe Burgers:

  • Place 1/8 cup of shredded cheese on each bottom bun.

  • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the cheese-covered buns.

  • Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.

  • Place the top bun over the mixture.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Sloppy Joe Burgers immediately while hot. Enjoy the messy, cheesy, and delicious goodness!

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Stove Top
Homemade Sloppy Joe Burgers

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stovetop Sloppy Joe Burgers

Cook the Meat:

  • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

  • Add turkey breakfast sausage and ground turkey or hamburger.

  • Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

  • If there's excess fat, drain it.

Add Beef Broth:

  • Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the cooked meat.

  • Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb some of the broth to keep the mixture moist.

Cook the Bacon:

  • In a separate skillet, cook minced bacon over medium heat until crispy.

  • Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  • Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the meat and broth.

  • Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients:

  • Add drained diced tomatoes, one can of tomato paste, pepper, garlic salt, ketchup, brown sugar, finely chopped jalapenos, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the meat and vegetables.

  • Stir everything together until well combined.

Simmer the Mixture:

  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Allow it to thicken to your desired consistency.

Prepare the Buns:

  • Lightly butter each half of the hamburger buns.

  • Toast them in a separate pan or on the stovetop until golden brown.

  • Assemble the Sloppy Joe Burgers:

  • Place 1/8 cup of shredded cheese on each bottom bun.

  • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the cheese-covered buns.

  • Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.

  • Place the top bun over the mixture.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve your Stovetop Sloppy Joe Burgers immediately while hot.

  • Enjoy this delicious, messy, and comforting meal!

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The Best Sloppy Joe Idea "Variations"

Spicy Sloppy Joes: 

If you like it hot, increase the amount of jalapenos or add some red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Mushroom and Swiss Sloppy Joes:

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for a savory twist. Top the burgers with Swiss cheese.

BBQ Sloppy Joes:

Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and tangy flavor.

Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes:

Add chili powder, cumin, and black beans for a Tex-Mex flair. Top with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.

Asian-Inspired Sloppy Joes:

  • Add ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil to the mixture. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Vegan Sloppy Joes:

  • Use plant-based sausage and ground meat substitutes (like textured vegetable protein or lentils) instead of turkey. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes:

Increase the brown sugar and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter, tangier sauce.

Healthy Sloppy Joes:

  • Use lean ground turkey and turkey sausage, reduce the sugar, and serve on whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps for a healthier version.

Sloppy Joe Sliders:

  • Make mini sliders by using smaller buns or dinner rolls. These are perfect for parties or gatherings.

Sloppy Joe Toppings Bar:

  • Set up a toppings bar with options like pickles, sliced onions, coleslaw, avocado, or different cheese varieties. Let everyone customize their own Sloppy Joe.

Sloppy Joe Casserole:

  • Instead of serving on buns, spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve it casserole-style.

Sloppy Joe Quesadillas:

  • Spread the mixture between tortillas, add cheese, and cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

 

Feel free to get creative and combine these variations to make Sloppy Joes that suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients!

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