Sloppy Joe Canning: a pantry staple for quick and delicious meals, this recipe transforms humble canned goods into a flavor-packed filling perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Learn how to make this incredibly useful and satisfying dish right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Canning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1-2 tablespoons water or beef broth (if needed, to adjust consistency)
How to Make Sloppy Joe Canning
This sloppy joe canning recipe is a weeknight dinner superhero! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with savory and sweet flavors, and the rich, satisfying texture will have everyone asking for seconds. With just under 30 minutes of active cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or brown sugar as needed. Some prefer it sweeter, others a bit tangier.
- Prepare for Canning (Optional – for long-term storage): If you plan to can your sloppy joe mixture for later use, ensure your canning equipment (jars, lids, rings) is clean and sterilized. Ladle the hot sloppy joe mixture into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the rings fingertip tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to your canning guide’s instructions for meat products (typically 75-90 minutes for pint or quart jars, depending on altitude).
- Serve: For immediate enjoyment, serve the hot sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns, alongside your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Canning
This sloppy joe canning recipe is a pure comfort food delight, offering that classic, delightfully messy sandwich experience with a rich, robust flavor that’s simply irresistible. The star of the show is undoubtedly the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that perfectly coats the tender ground beef, creating a filling that’s both satisfying and deeply flavorful. Making this at home is incredibly cost-effective, especially when you can buy ground beef in bulk; it’s a meal that feeds a hungry crowd without breaking the bank, a significant advantage over buying pre-made options. The addition of tangy apple cider vinegar and that touch of brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweetness that makes this sloppy joe stand out, a little bit like a more sophisticated take on your childhood favorite.
Beyond the incredible taste and savings, the sheer convenience of having a batch of this delicious filling ready to go is a game-changer for busy individuals and families. Imagine pulling a jar from your pantry for an instant, hearty meal that takes mere minutes to heat and serve – it’s a culinary lifesaver! Unlike simpler versions, the careful balance of spices in this recipe ensures a depth of flavor that’s truly memorable. So, what waiting for? Head to your kitchen and try this fantastic sloppy joe canning recipe today – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
For immediate consumption, the cooked sloppy joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
If you have canned your sloppy joe canning according to the instructions, the sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12-18 months, ensuring a ready supply of delicious meals. Before consuming canned sloppy joe, always check the seals to ensure they are intact. If there are any signs of spoilage, such as bulging lids or discoloration, discard the contents immediately. Properly sealed and processed jars are shelf-stable.
Final Thoughts
This sloppy joe canning recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a convenient, flavorful, and budget-friendly way to enjoy a beloved classic anytime. Give this recipe a try and discover the ease and deliciousness of homemade sloppy joe filling that’s ready when you are.
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- Canning Vegetable Soup
- Pickled Mixed Vegetables (Giardiniera)
- Canning Vegetable Stock
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Sloppy Joe Canning
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.1-2 tablespoons water or beef broth
- Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or brown sugar as needed. Some prefer it sweeter, others a bit tangier.1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- If you plan to can your sloppy joe mixture for later use, ensure your canning equipment (jars, lids, rings) is clean and sterilized. Ladle the hot sloppy joe mixture into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the rings fingertip tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to your canning guide’s instructions for meat products (typically 75-90 minutes for pint or quart jars, depending on altitude).
- For immediate enjoyment, serve the hot sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns, alongside your favorite sides.