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MOMMA’S SLOPPY JOE (aka Everything Sauce)

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Jenna
MOMMA’S SLOPPY JOE (aka Everything Sauce)CLASSIC • COMFORT • WOODS TO THE TABLE
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MOMMA’S SLOPPY JOE (aka Everything Sauce)
CLASSIC • COMFORT • WOODS TO THE TABLE

Recipe by JennaCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

A nostalgic, saucy classic straight from my mom’s kitchen. This hearty beef sauce is rich, slightly sweet, a little spicy, and wildly versatile. Perfect for sloppy joes, chili dogs, loaded fries, or meal prep.

✨ About This Recipe
This is one of those recipes that lives in your bones. It’s the sloppy joe I grew up on — buttery, savory, and just sweet enough. The best part? It doubles as a chili-style topping for hot dogs, baked potatoes, or anything that needs comfort. No fancy steps, no weird ingredients just real food that feeds people.

⚡ Health Breakdown (Estimated)
Per Serving (no bun):
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~26g
Carbs: ~18g
Fat: ~16g
Sodium: Moderate

Highlights:
✔ High-protein
✔ Crowd-friendly
✔ Freezer & meal-prep friendly
✔ Works as a sandwich or sauce

🌭 How to Serve
Classic sloppy joes
Chili dogs
Loaded baked potatoes
Fries or tots
Over rice or pasta for an easy dinner

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 lbs ground beef

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 6 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 6 oz tomato paste

  • ½–⅔ cup water (start small — add as needed)

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

  • 1½ tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

Directions

  • Brown the beef
    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
  • Build the base
    Add butter to the pan with the beef. Once melted, stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 3–5 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
  • Sauce it up
    Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Adjust consistency
    Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness. (Mom-style = thicker, spoonable, not soupy.)
  • Simmer
    Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Optional Slow Cooker Method:
    Transfer everything to a crockpot and keep warm on low for 1–2 hours — perfect for parties.

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