Sloppy Joes, a classic American fast food dish, is getting an exciting twist with the addition of root beer. The unique blend of flavors from the root beer adds an unexpected sweetness and depth to the traditional Sloppy Joes. It's a simple recipe that's easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
The ingredients required for this recipe are commonly found in most homes or are easily available in supermarkets. However, one key ingredient that might be new to some is the root beer bbq sauce. This specific sauce can be found in the barbecue sauce aisle in most supermarkets. If unavailable, a homemade version can be prepared using root beer and a basic bbq sauce recipe.
Sloppy Joes Ingredients with Root Beer Twist
Ground beef: This is the main protein source in this dish. It's rich in flavor and texture, making it ideal for Sloppy Joes.
Yellow onion and green bell pepper: Both these ingredients are used to add crunch and freshness to the dish.
Diced tomatoes: These add a tangy flavor and juicy consistency.
Beef broth: This will add depth to the sauce and keep the beef moist.
Root beer bbq sauce: This is the star ingredient that gives this dish its unique flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
French's fried onions: These are used as a topping to add crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Brioche buns: These are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding the Sloppy Joe mixture.
One reader, Kiley Rees says:
This root beer sloppy joes recipe is a game-changer! The combination of root beer bbq sauce and beef creates a unique and delicious flavor. The addition of French's fried onions adds a delightful crunch. It's a hit with the whole family and has become a regular on our dinner menu.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Sloppy Joes
How to brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon and stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through.
How to sauté the onions and bell peppers: Add the onions and green bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
How to simmer the sloppy joe mixture: After adding the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
How to assemble the sloppy joes: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the brioche buns and top with French's fried onions before serving.
How To Make Root Beer Sloppy Joes
For these sloppy joes, ground beef is cooked in a sweet and savory root beer barbecue sauce, served in golden brioche buns and topped with crispy onions.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsground beef,(85/15)
- 1yellow onion,diced
- ½green bell pepper,chopped
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 14.5ozdiced tomatoes,drained
- 1cupbeef broth
- 1cupRoot Beer BBQ sauce,*
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1cupFrench’s Fried Onions
- 6brioche buns,toasted
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, add the beef, onions, green bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
-
Cook well for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart but leaving some chunks.
-
Add in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, bbq sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce starts to evaporate and the mixture becomes “sloppy.”
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Spoon the mixture onto the brioche buns and top with French’s Fried Onions. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- * Check out this Root Beer BBQ Sauce Recipe to go with this savory sloppy joes!
Nutrition
- Calories: 613.60kcal
- Fat: 30.15g
- Saturated Fat: 10.76g
- Trans Fat: 1.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.41g
- Carbohydrates: 57.98g
- Fiber: 3.86g
- Sugar: 21.88g
- Protein: 26.86g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 1054.45mg
- Calcium: 161.67mg
- Potassium: 819.49mg
- Iron: 5.04mg
- Vitamin A: 25.42µg
- Vitamin C: 20.91mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing Sloppy Joe Flavor
When making your root beer sloppy joes, it's important to not rush the simmering process. Allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes after adding the root beer bbq sauce and beef broth will help the flavors to meld together and deepen. This will result in a more flavorful and satisfying sloppy joe. Also, breaking the ground beef into chunks rather than fully crumbling it gives the dish a heartier texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Root Beer Sloppy Joes
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals later.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes while cooking to keep the kitchen organized.
Substitute Ingredients For Root Beer Sloppy Joes Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a mild flavor that can easily absorb the flavors of the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar flavor profile to yellow onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in the same quantity, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, providing a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option.
root beer BBQ sauce - Substitute with regular BBQ sauce: Regular BBQ sauce can be used as a substitute for root beer BBQ sauce, providing a classic flavor without the root beer undertones.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, providing a similar umami-rich flavor to the dish.
French's fried onions - Substitute with homemade crispy onions: Homemade crispy onions can be used as a substitute for French's fried onions, providing a fresher and customizable topping for the dish.
brioche buns - Substitute with potato buns: Potato buns can be used as a substitute for brioche buns, providing a soft and slightly sweet base for the sloppy joes.
Presentation Ideas for Sloppy Joes
Elevate the bun: Toast the brioche buns until golden brown, then brush with a touch of melted butter for a rich, glossy finish.
Artful plating: Carefully spoon the flavorful root beer sloppy joe mixture onto the brioche buns, ensuring an even distribution of the savory filling.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the top of the sloppy joe with a generous handful of crispy French's fried onions for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Accompany with a side: Serve alongside a vibrant and refreshing coleslaw for a pop of color and a contrasting texture to complement the hearty sloppy joe.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sloppy Joes
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used to protect countertops when cutting or chopping ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Can opener: A device used to open metal cans and tins.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Wooden spoon: A versatile kitchen tool used for stirring, mixing, and serving various dishes.
- Skimmer: A utensil with a perforated surface, used for removing foam or impurities from the surface of liquids.
- Chef's knife: A multi-purpose knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks, including chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sloppy Joes
- To store leftover root beer sloppy joes, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to help maintain moisture and prevent the mixture from drying out. Heat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For longer storage, freeze the sloppy joe mixture in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To freeze individual portions, scoop the cooled mixture onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This method allows for quick and easy reheating of single servings.
- When ready to serve, thaw the frozen sloppy joe mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little liquid if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Avoid freezing the sloppy joes with the brioche buns, as the texture of the bread may deteriorate upon thawing. Instead, freeze the meat mixture separately and assemble the sandwiches with fresh buns when ready to serve.
How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joes
Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and prevent the mixture from drying out or burning. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
For a quick and easy reheating option, microwave the leftover sloppy joe mixture in a microwave-safe container. Cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking.
If you have leftover sloppy joes still in the buns, wrap them individually in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This method will help to crisp up the buns while heating the filling evenly.
For a crispy twist, reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Serve the heated mixture on fresh, toasted brioche buns for a delightful contrast of textures.
Transform your leftover sloppy joes into a new dish by using the mixture as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave before adding it to your favorite tortilla-based dish.
Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joes
Root beer is a carbonated, sweetened beverage made using the root of the sassafras plant. It was originally brewed as a medicinal drink but later became popular as a soft drink.
Is Making Sloppy Joes at Home Cost-Effective?
This root beer sloppy joes recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground beef, onions, and bell peppers, are commonly found and affordable. The addition of root beer BBQ sauce and French's fried onions may slightly increase the cost, but they add depth of flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. Overall Verdict: 8/10. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional sloppy joes, making it a flavorful and budget-friendly option for a family meal.
Are Root Beer Sloppy Joes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The root beer sloppy joes recipe is a delicious and indulgent meal, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe calls for ground beef, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- High in sodium: The recipe includes salt, canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, and BBQ sauce, all of which can be high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- Refined carbohydrates: The brioche buns used in the recipe are made from refined flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.
- Added sugars: The root beer BBQ sauce likely contains added sugars, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems when consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the saturated fat content
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added diced tomatoes, beef broth, and BBQ sauce to reduce the sodium content
- Choose whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps instead of brioche buns to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Make your own root beer BBQ sauce using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to control the amount of added sugars
- Add more vegetables to the mixture, such as grated carrots or chopped mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Sloppy Joe Recipe
This root beer sloppy joes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of root beer BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to the savory beef mixture. The addition of French's fried onions provides a satisfying crunch, while the brioche buns offer a touch of sweetness. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and inventive take on a beloved comfort food.
Enhance Your Root Beer Sloppy Joes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Sloppy Joes
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Sloppy Joes
Why trust this Root Beer Sloppy Joes Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining the rich flavors of root beer with savory ground beef. The addition of root beer bbq sauce and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The use of French's fried onions as a topping provides a satisfying crunch. Trust the combination of quality ingredients such as brioche buns and the careful cooking process to deliver a mouthwatering experience.
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