Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into my ultimate nostalgia-inducing recipe moment: whipping up a colossal batch of classic sloppy joes that’ll throw you right back to backyard barbecue times, with a modern twist to keep things fresh and exciting! 🍔✨

When I host a large gathering, I love to make Sloppy Joes. The base of my recipe is 10 pounds of ground beef, and I sauté it with 3 cups each of onions and green bell peppers.

What makes the flavor work is the combination of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of brown sugar. That brings the “rich and tangy” element, said chef Mary Sue Milliken, who co-owns the Border Grill restaurant in Santa Monica, California.

Then there’s the “depth” element: a hint of apple cider vinegar and dry mustard.

Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein; provides the hearty base of the dish.
• Onions: Adds natural sweetness and fiber; promotes heart health.
• Green Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C; adds freshness and crunch.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor and immunity; offers antioxidants.
• Tomato Sauce: Supplies lycopene; gives a rich, tangy base.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy; enhances overall flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami; adds complex savory notes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness; balances acidity in the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick; aids digestion.

Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 10 pounds ground beef
• 3 cups chopped onions
• 3 cups chopped green bell peppers
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 3 cups ketchup
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dry mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 60 hamburger buns

How to Make this Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.

2. Remove surplus fat from the pot, leaving just enough to sauté. Place the cooked beef in a large bowl.

3. Place the diced onions and green bell peppers into the pot, and cook them over medium heat until the onions are see-through (they call that translucent), and the bell peppers have morphed into tender little strips, about 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s nice and aromatic.

5. Put the browned ground beef back in the pot. Stir well to combine it with the vegetables.

6. Stir the pot until the tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste are incorporated evenly.

7. Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.

8. Dust the mixture with the dry mustard and chili powder. Season it with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.

9. Turn the heat to low, and let the combination of the ingredients soothe into a gentle simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir the mixture now and then to keep it from sticking. Aim for an even consistency as the sauce comes to life and its flavors meld together.

10. Serve the hamburger buns hot with the sloppy joe filling. If desired, you can offer extra toppings like pickles or cheese.

Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Large bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Ladle (for serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare the Sloppy Joes mixture in advance?A: Yes, you can get the mix ready even 2 days before serving. Just put it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. That way, you can avoid unnecessary clean-up on the day you’re entertaining. Some guests might enjoy serving themselves, so let them reheat the dish in the microwave. After all, it was meant to be enjoyed hot!
• Q: How can I keep the Sloppy Joes warm during a party?Move the mixture, once cooked, to a slow cooker set to “warm.” This will keep the mixture at a serving temperature and allow it to maintain its consistency throughout your event. You can warm the mixture in a double boiler on your stove or place the whole pot in an oven set to its lowest temperature. If you use an oven, make sure to place the pot on a cooling rack so that the bottom of the pot doesn’t get too hot.
• Q: Can I freeze any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture?A: Certainly. Let it cool all the way down, then pack it into airtight containers in the freezer. It will be good for 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it out and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Q: What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?You can use soy sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce and a little lemon juice, as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
• Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?Some hot sauce could be added, or the quantity of chili powder could be increased, to achieve the desired level of heat.
• Q: Are there any vegetarian alternatives?A: Of course, you could use Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) or lentils to substitute for ground beef and make a version that’s vegetarian.

Sloppy Joes For Large Group Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in a leaner option.
Green bell peppers can be swapped out for red bell peppers to achieve a little more sweetness.
Substitute brown sugar for honey or maple syrup to achieve a different sweetness profile.
For a richer taste, you can use balsamic vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar.
You can use smoked paprika instead of chili powder when you want a smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Batch Cooking and Browning For the best flavor, brown the ground beef in small batches. This avoids overcrowding the pot, ensuring each piece is nicely caramelized, enhancing the overall taste.

2. Deglaze with Liquid After sautéing the onions and peppers, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of broth or water before adding the ground beef back. This will lift all those flavorful bits from the bottom and integrate them into the dish.

3. Taste as You Go Adjust seasoning levels throughout the cooking process. The sweetness from the ketchup and brown sugar can vary, so add salt, pepper, or a touch more vinegar as needed to balance the flavors.

4. Simmer for Depth Let the sloppy joe mixture simmer longer than suggested if time allows. This deepens the flavors and improves the texture. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Serve on Toasted Buns Before serving, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This adds a pleasant texture contrast and helps prevent the buns from getting too soggy from the filling. Consider brushing them with a bit of garlic butter before toasting for an extra flavor kick.