Sloppy Joe Meatballs

Sloppy Joe Meatballs Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sloppy Joe Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. These meatballs are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

The Sloppy Joe sandwich has been a popular American dish for decades. The exact origins of the Sloppy Joe are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The Sloppy Joe Meatballs recipe takes the flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into a tasty meatball dish.

Ingredients

1 beaten egg
0.25 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
0.5 cup finely chopped medium onion
0.25 tsp crushed dried oregano
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef or ground bison
0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
1 tsp chili powder
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp garlic salt
Dash of optional bottled hot pepper sauce

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, 0.25 cup of onion, and oregano. Add the ground meat and mix well.
Shape the mixture into 42 meatballs, each about 0.75 inch in diameter.
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in a 15x10x1 inch baking pan.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Drain well.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the remaining 0.25 cup of onion and the green pepper in hot oil until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, black pepper, garlic salt, and, if desired, hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil.
Add the meatballs to the sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Variations

Use ground beef or turkey instead of bison for a different flavor.
Add diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Top the meatballs with shredded cheese before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the meatballs well after baking to remove any excess grease.

- You can customize the level of spiciness in the sauce by adjusting the amount of chili powder and hot pepper sauce.

- Serve the Sloppy Joe Meatballs over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sloppy Joe Meatballs over rice or pasta, or on a toasted bun for a classic Sloppy Joe experience.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or turkey instead of bison.

- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sloppy Joe Meatballs in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Sloppy Joe Meatballs with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sloppy Joe Meatballs are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sloppy Joe Meatballs are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sloppy Joe Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these meatballs are a satisfying meal option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Sloppy Joe Meatballs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. Martha was always trying out new recipes, and she loved to share her culinary discoveries with me. As soon as I saw the ingredients laid out on her kitchen counter, I knew I was in for a treat.

Martha had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who used to make it for her as a special treat when she was a little girl. I could tell that Martha had put her own twist on the recipe, adding her own special touch to make it even more delicious. As she walked me through the steps, I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

The first thing Martha did was mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and a few other secret ingredients. She then rolled the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and placed them on a baking sheet. As the meatballs baked in the oven, the aroma that filled Martha's kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering.

Next, Martha prepared the Sloppy Joe sauce. She sautéed onions and bell peppers in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant, then added ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. The combination of flavors was incredible, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

When the meatballs were done baking, Martha added them to the skillet with the Sloppy Joe sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes. The sauce coated the meatballs perfectly, giving them a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that was simply irresistible. As Martha served the Sloppy Joe Meatballs on a platter, garnished with chopped parsley, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my own kitchen.

I asked Martha how she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she told me that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a girl. Her grandmother was a fabulous cook, and Martha had spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, absorbing all of her culinary knowledge.

I left Martha's house that day with a full belly and a happy heart. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends, knowing that it would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made these Sloppy Joe Meatballs countless times, always with a smile on my face and memories of that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become fast friends after tasting this delicious dish.

Every time I make these Sloppy Joe Meatballs, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to fill our hearts with joy. I am grateful for Martha's generosity in sharing this recipe with me, and I know that it will continue to bring happiness to all who taste it for many years to come.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal, look no further than these Sloppy Joe Meatballs. With each bite, you will taste the love, tradition, and joy that went into creating this recipe – a recipe that has brought so much happiness to my own life, and I hope will do the same for you. Enjoy!