Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes Recipe

This Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes Recipe is a saucy and classic recipe, which is made with lean ground beef and crunchy green bell pepper. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner, ready in about 40 minutes.

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Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¾ cup ketchup (or to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns, split

How To Make Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes

Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart until it starts to brown and release its fat.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
Build the sauce: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and garlic powder. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer and serve: Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This step allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the split hamburger buns.

Recipe Tips

Toast the Buns: Sloppy Joes are notoriously messy. To prevent the bun from getting soggy immediately, toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns in a skillet with a little butter before adding the meat.
Finely Chop Veggies: If you are feeding picky eaters, chop the onions and green peppers very finely (or even grate the onion). They will melt into the sauce during the simmer, adding flavor without large chunks of texture.
Adjusting Sweetness: The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses sweetness that balances the acidity of the ketchup. Taste the sauce before simmering; if you prefer it savory, reduce the sugar. If you like it sweeter, add another teaspoon.
Meat Selection: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) so the sauce isn’t greasy. If you use a higher fat content beef, be sure to drain the excess grease from the pan after step 2 before adding the ketchup.

What To Serve With Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes

This nostalgic sandwich pairs best with classic American sides.

Potato Chips: The salty crunch contrasts the soft sandwich.
Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds necessary texture.
Tater Tots: A kid-friendly favorite.
Dill Pickles: Serve a spear on the side or slices inside the bun.

How To Store Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes Recipe

Refrigerate: Store the meat mixture separate from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meat mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Freeze: This meat mixture freezes excellently. Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Bobby Flay Sloppy Joes Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 22g

Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich (including bun).

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken works perfectly as a lighter alternative. You may need to add a teaspoon of olive oil when browning the meat since poultry is leaner than beef.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. To add heat, include a diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the spices.

Why is my sauce too runny?

If the sauce is too thin after simmering, let it cook uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to evaporate more liquid. The ketchup brand can also affect consistency; add a little more ketchup if needed.

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