Savor a messy, mouthwatering masterpiece with Chef Ed’s Sloppy Joe recipe—piled high with seasoned beef, tangy sauce, and served alongside golden homemade fries or crisp potato chips. This 500-word recipe delivers pure comfort food magic.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
For the Sloppy Joes
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 toasted brioche buns
For French Fries or Potato Chips
- 3 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning
Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Scrub and rinse the potatoes. For fries, cut into ¼-inch sticks. For chips, slice thinly using a mandolin or sharp knife. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to remove excess starch. Pat dry before frying.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
3. Fry the Potatoes:
Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- For fries: Fry in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For chips: Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes until crisp and lightly browned.
Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt and optional spices.
4. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto toasted brioche buns. Serve immediately with a heaping pile of your fresh-cut fries or chips.
Chef Ed Tips:
- Toasting the buns prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
- Add jalapeños or pickles for a flavor kick.
- Swap beef for turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For extra-crispy fries, double-fry them: once at 300°F until soft, then again at 375°F for crispiness.
This is comfort food at its finest—simple, savory, and satisfyingly sloppy. Whether you go with the classic golden fries or the crunch of house-made chips, one thing’s guaranteed: plates will be licked clean.
References:
- America’s Test Kitchen. (2020). The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs. Harvard.com
- McGee, H. (2004). On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribner.
