Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes

Hot Hungarian paprika and chipotle en adobo sauce bring a bold smokiness to these easy-to-make Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes.

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A wise, albeit slightly off-putting, lunch lady once said, “Have some more Sloppy Joes. I made ’em extra sloppy for yous. I know how yous kids like ’em sloppy.”

I concur, the sloppier the better. And the SMOKIER the better too. 

These Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes provide a bold twist on a lunchroom favorite while keeping the ingredient list and preparation low maintenance. Because you don’t need to twaddle away in the kitchen for hours to make something delicious (though I’ve been doing a fair amount of pandemic kitchen twaddling).

If you’re hankering for a bold meal that’s ready quickly, this one’s for you.

How do you make Chipotle Sloppy Joes?

To make these boldly flavored Chipotle Sloppy Joes you will need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef 
• 1/2 tbsp hot Hungarian paprika (you could also use smoked paprika)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp chipotle en adobo sauce
• 1 1/4 cups canned tomato sauce
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns

You’ll notice the absence of an ingredient that many sloppy joe recipes often require. That’s right these are no ketchup sloppy joes! I’m just not a ketchup fan. I’d also argue that these no ketchup sloppy joes are a tish healthier than recipes that use ketchup because there’s less sugar (I’m not a nutritionist, that’s just an assumption).

Instructions

1. Add the ground beef to a pan over medium-high heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until completely cooked. Season with a few dashes of salt and pepper as the meat cooks. 
2. Remove from heat and remove any excess grease. Return the pan to medium heat.
3. Add the hot Hungarian paprika and chipotles en adobo sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir until well combined. 
4. Add the tomato sauce and Worchestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. 

*Serves 4

Adapted from AJC Smoky Sloppy Joes (which is also a no ketchup sloppy joe recipe)

What do I serve with Smoky Sloppy Joes?

Chips and pickles are a given, but you might also want to try serving Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes with these slammin’ sides:

• Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw
• Easy Seasoned Refried Beans
• Jalapeno Pickle Roll-Ups
• Zesty Jalapeno Top Ramen Salad
• Tex-Mex Pasta Salad
• Corn and Quinoa Salad with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette

What toppings go good with Chipotle Sloppy Joes?

• Cheese (any good melting cheese like cheddar or pepper jack)
• Banana peppers
• Dill pickles
• Pickled jalapenos
• Chips (put potato chips on a sandwich!) 

Storage

Store any leftover Chiptole Sloppy Joe meat in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well; for best results, use within 3-6 months.

What is a Sloppy Joe anyways?

Learning time folks! A Sloppy Joe is a type of “loose meat” sandwich with tomato sauce or ketchup, typically made with ground beef and served on a hamburger bun. These elements must be present at a minimum, though variations exist where ground pork or chicken is used and other ingredients like onions, peppers, Worchestershire sauce, and other seasonings are incorporated.

Would a Sloppy Joe by any other name taste as good?

Yes, indeed. Depending on where in the United States you are, you may know Sloppy Joes by another name, like barbecues, dynamites, or Sloppy Janes.

What is the history of Sloppy Joes? Where the hell did the original name come from anyways?

According to Wikipedia, it is believed that the history of Sloppy Joes’ lies in Sioux City, Iowa. A cook named, wait for it, Joe is believed to have created a riff on a loose meat sandwich by adding tomato sauce to the mix back in the 1930s. That’s it really. The history of Sloppy Joes is pretty straightforward.

What’s for Dessert?

Try pairing Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes with these tasty treats!

• Raspberry Icebox Bars
• Coconut Rice Krispie Treats
• Blackberry Coconut Cobbler

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