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Blanche Matthews' Legendary Sloppy Joes Recipe

Blanche Matthews' Legendary Sloppy Joes

A sweet, tangy, and savory ground beef sandwich filling simmered in a rich ketchup-based sauce and served on toasted hamburger buns.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 lb Ground beef
  • 1 medium Medium onion, finely chopped
Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
To Serve
  • 6 buns Hamburger buns

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Brown the ground beef and finely chopped onion together in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the beef into small crumbles as it cooks.
  2. Drain off excess fat from the skillet so the sauce can reduce properly and the finished filling does not become greasy.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
  5. Toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns and spoon the hot sloppy joe filling onto them. Serve immediately while the buns are warm and the sauce is glossy.

Notes

Drain the beef well before adding the sauce. Simmer uncovered so the ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar flavors concentrate and the filling thickens. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a small splash of water. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently.