Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe 3 Ingredients
A tangy, savory, and sweet Sloppy Joe recipe that defies logic. Using only ground beef, ketchup, and mustard, this weeknight savior is ready in 15 minutes and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
The Core Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 chuck recommended
- 1 cup Ketchup Classic brand like Heinz
- 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Can substitute Dijon for sophistication
For Serving
- 4 buns Brioche or Hamburger Buns Toasted
- 1 pinch Salt and Black Pepper To season the meat
Instructions
- Phase 1: The Hard Sear. Place a large skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Do not break it up immediately! Let it sit as a solid block for 60 seconds to develop a hard sear. Then, break it up with a wooden spoon to create crispy 'meat candy' bits. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Phase 2: The Sauce Emulsion. Once the beef is browned and no pink remains, drain the excess grease, leaving about one tablespoon of fat in the pan to help emulsify the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard.
- Phase 3: The Simmer. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will darken to a deep brick red as the sugars caramelize. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
- Rest and Serve. Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest in the pan for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve on buttered, toasted buns.
Notes
Chef's Tip: Toast your buns! Sloppy Joes are wet, and a toasted bun provides a crispy barrier to keep the sandwich intact.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day.