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–+ servings

Three Ingredient Sloppy Joes

Sharon Brown
Before we dive into the delightful simplicity of three ingredient sloppy joes, let’s chat about what you can serve alongside this dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 281 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup rich tomato ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar ⅛ cup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tangy yellow mustard ⅛ cup
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Before cooking, gather all your ingredients. You’ll want to measure out the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and have your ground beef ready.
  • This also helps to streamline the cooking process and keeps your kitchen organized.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add your lean ground beef. Break it into small pieces with your spatula, stirring occasionally. Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier result.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce

  • Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well until the beef is evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes

  • Grab your favorite hamburger buns. Load each bun with a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture. Don’t be shy! This is comfort food, so go for it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve your three ingredient sloppy joes immediately with your chosen sides. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep it healthier. Lower-fat options still provide flavor without excess grease.
  • Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce. It adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate.
  • Adjust sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar. For a tangier vibe, increase the mustard.
  • Toast your buns. Lightly toast your hamburger buns for added texture and to prevent sogginess.
  • Bulk it up. If you like veggies, consider adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers. Sauté them with the meat for added flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 31gFat: 12.9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 162mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 20mg
Keyword Three Ingredient Sloppy Joes
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