Gather around, friends, because today we’re diving into the deliciously messy world of Sloppy Joes! You might be wondering why these sweet, savory sandwiches are called “sloppy.” Well, it’s because the moment you sink your teeth into one, you’re bound to have a little bit of a sauce explosion. But let’s embrace the mess, shall we? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a Sloppy Joe a Sloppy Joe, and how it compares to its cousin, Ground Beef Barbecue!
What Is the Difference Between Ground Beef Barbecue and Sloppy Joe
First off, let’s talk about the similarities. Both these delightful dishes feature ground beef as their main star. But here’s where they start to part ways: Sloppy Joes are celebrated for their tangy, sticky sauce, often made with ketchup and a mix of spices, whereas Ground Beef Barbecue leans more towards a smoky flavor, generally using barbecue sauce. Think of Sloppy Joes as that friend who loves to dance like nobody’s watching, while Ground Beef Barbecue is the more chill, laid-back buddy who prefers to hang out around the grill.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickles (optional, but who are we kidding? Yes, please!)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion together until the meat is cooked through. Drain the excess fat, because nobody likes a greasy Joe!
- Add in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until the beef is coated in that glorious sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, so all those flavors can have a party together!
- While the beef mixture is simmering, lightly toast your hamburger buns. Trust us, it adds an extra touch of buttery deliciousness!
- Once your beef has reached its maximum scrumptiousness, scoop a generous amount onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickles if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cap it with the other half of the bun, take a step back, and admire your culinary masterpiece before diving in. But be warned: this is going to get messy!
And there you have it, folks! The ultimate Sloppy Joe experience! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun cookout with friends. Just remember to keep napkins on hand — you’re gonna need them!