Classic Sloppy Joes
Servings 4
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp water, divided
- ½ tsp + ⅛ tsp baking soda, divided
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ tsp + ⅛ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced fine
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar plus extra for seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and mix well. Place the ground beef in a bowl, drizzle the mixture over the meat, then season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt; mix until combined; set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, and the remaining ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda and ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes, or until very tender. Side Note: Using baking soda helps break down the onion and cook it quickly.
- Add the garlic, paprika, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks for 5 minutes.
- Add the ketchup, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce and stir until evenly combined. Taste and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, and add more vinegar or sugar if desired.
- Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of water with the ½ teaspoon of cornstarch until well combined. Add to the meat and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute, until it thickens everything up.
- Remove from heat and spoon mixture onto hamburger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy.