Sloppy Joes are a beloved American comfort food, known for their savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Traditionally made with ground beef, this recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating a hearty steakhouse-style burger into the mix. These Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes are a perfect blend of the classic Sloppy Joe with the bold flavors of a steakhouse burger, featuring juicy, flavorful beef, a deliciously savory sauce, and all the toppings you could ever want in a sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a weekend barbecue, or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes:
For the Burger Meat:
•1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean for juiciness)
•1/2 pound ground sirloin (optional for a more steakhouse-like flavor)
•1 small onion, finely chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
•1 teaspoon steak seasoning (or use your favorite seasoning blend)
•Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
•1 cup ketchup
•1/4 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite variety)
•1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
•1 tablespoon brown sugar
•1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
•1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
•1/2 teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
•A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
•Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
•4 hamburger buns (preferably soft and slightly toasted)
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
•Pickles, for garnish (optional)
•Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Steps
Follow these steps to make delicious Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes:
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Meat
1.Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground sirloin (if using). Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
2.Add Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
3.Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute, ensuring the seasoning evenly coats the meat. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
1.Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2.Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Combine the Meat and Sauce
1.Mix Meat with Sauce: Pour the simmered sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir to combine and coat the meat evenly in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine even further.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
1.Prepare the Buns: While the meat and sauce are simmering, toast your hamburger buns. You can toast them in a toaster or on a griddle with a bit of butter until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
1.Assemble: Spoon a generous portion of the steakhouse burger sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat if using.
2.Garnish: Add any additional toppings you like, such as pickles, lettuce, and tomato.
3.Serve: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, press gently, and serve immediately.
Variations
While the classic version is always delicious, you can try some of these variations to switch things up:
1.Spicy Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes: Add a few chopped jalapeños or some hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce to spice things up. You can also add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2.Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a great option, feel free to switch it up with provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
3.Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take on this dish, use a plant-based burger patty or meat substitute in place of the ground beef.
4.BBQ Steakhouse Sloppy Joes: Swap the Dijon mustard in the sauce for more barbecue sauce to create a sweeter, smokier version of these Sloppy Joes.
Tips
1.Use Fresh, High-Quality Meat: For the best flavor, use freshly ground beef or high-quality pre-ground beef. A blend of 80% lean ground beef and ground sirloin provides the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
2.Don’t Overcook the Meat: Be sure not to overcook the meat when making the Sloppy Joe mixture. You want it to be tender and juicy, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
3.Make Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
4.Toasted Buns Are Key: Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy from the sauce. A slight buttering of the buns before toasting can elevate the flavor.
5.Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe, add more brown sugar or even a splash of honey.
Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes bring a new twist to a classic dish. By incorporating juicy, seasoned beef and a tangy, smoky sauce, these sandwiches are a perfect fusion of the flavors of a steakhouse burger and the comforting, messy goodness of Sloppy Joes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, or looking for something fun and flavorful, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. Serve it with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete, delicious meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Just make sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.
2. How can I make the Sloppy Joe sauce spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, you can add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra red pepper flakes to taste.
3. Can I prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling in advance. Store the cooked mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it before serving.
4. What type of buns should I use?
A soft, slightly toasted hamburger bun is ideal for this recipe. You can also use brioche buns or ciabatta rolls for an extra touch of flavor.
5. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Customize your Sloppy Joe with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or even onion rings for extra flavor and texture.
