Southwestern Sloppy Joes

Southwestern Sloppy Joes Recipe from USA | Ground Beef, Onion, Celery, Tomatoes, and More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Southwestern Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe, adding a spicy kick with the addition of diced chilies and cumin. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

History

Sloppy Joes are believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The exact origins of the dish are unclear, but it is thought to have been created as a way to stretch ground beef during the Great Depression. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of different ingredients and flavors, including the Southwestern twist in this recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef round
1 cup of chopped onion
0.25 cup of chopped celery
0.25 cup of water
1 can (10 oz or 283 g) of diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 can (8 oz or 227 g) of no-salt-added tomato sauce
4 tsp of brown sugar
0.5 tsp of ground cumin
0.25 tsp of salt
9 whole wheat hamburger buns

How to prepare

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
Add beef, onion, celery, and water.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
Drain the fat.
Stir in tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, brown sugar, cumin, and salt; bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Serve on whole wheat buns.
Garnish as desired.
If you prefer plain sloppy joes, omit the green chilies and add an equal amount of tomatoes without chilies.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add black beans or corn to the mixture for extra fiber and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of diced chilies to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

- Serve the sloppy joes on whole wheat buns for added fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southwestern Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Simmer the mixture for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Substitute diced tomatoes for the diced chilies for a milder version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Southwestern Sloppy Joes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Southwestern Sloppy Joes on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro or sliced avocado for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Southwestern Sloppy Joes with a side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Southwestern Sloppy Joes 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 Southwestern Sloppy Joes contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Sloppy Joes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Sloppy Joes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Sloppy Joes contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Southwestern Sloppy Joes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the hamburger buns) and may contain soy (from the brown sugar).

Summary

Southwestern Sloppy Joes are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southwestern Sloppy Joes are a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a spicy kick from the diced chilies and a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve on whole wheat buns for added fiber and nutrients, and enjoy a balanced meal that is both tasty and nutritious.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in New Mexico. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this one was different. It came from a dear friend of hers, a woman from the Southwest who had a talent for creating mouthwatering dishes with a unique twist.

I remember the day my grandmother brought me to her friend's house to learn how to make Southwestern Sloppy Joes. The aroma of spices and herbs filled the air as soon as we walked in the door. The woman greeted us with a warm smile and handed me a list of ingredients. She explained each step of the recipe in detail, making sure I understood the importance of each ingredient and how it contributed to the overall flavor of the dish.

As we began to cook, I watched in awe as the woman effortlessly combined the ingredients, adjusting the seasonings to taste and adding a touch of heat with a secret blend of spices. She taught me to never be afraid to experiment in the kitchen, to trust my instincts and follow my taste buds. It was a lesson that has stayed with me throughout the years as I continued to cook and create my own recipes.

After several hours of cooking and simmering, the Southwestern Sloppy Joes were finally ready. The woman scooped a generous portion onto a plate and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite and instantly knew that this recipe was something special. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Southwestern Sloppy Joes became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I shared it with neighbors and coworkers, who were equally impressed by the unique twist on a classic dish. And every time I made it, I thought of the woman who had shared her recipe with me, grateful for her generosity and culinary wisdom.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with fresh ingredients and new techniques. But the core of the dish remains the same - a delicious blend of flavors that never fails to satisfy. It has become a comfort food for me, a reminder of the day I learned to trust my instincts in the kitchen and embrace the joy of cooking.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in New Mexico, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that has led me to this moment. The Southwestern Sloppy Joes recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And I can only hope that one day, I will be able to pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, sharing the joy and love that has gone into every delicious bite.