Sloppy Joes, Updated!

Serves: 4 generously
Prep Time: 10 minutes 
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes 

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.  We'll bet you have almost all of these ingredients at the ready in your pantry!   We've upped the umami and toned down the sweet to update this classic kid-lovin' classic.   Sloppy Joes are hearty, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser-- we served them on buttery soft brioche buns!  Turn it into a party food and serve on mini slider buns!  

1/2 tsp. Baking soda + 1 tbsp. water 
1 1/4 lb. ground beef 
1 onion, finely diced 
1/8 tsp. baking soda (second amount) 
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced 
2 tsp. Hungarian Paprika 
1/2 tsp. Chili flakes 
2 tsp. Brown sugar 
2 tbsp. Double Concentrated Tomato Paste 
1/4 cup Ketchup 
1 tbsp. Red wine vinegar 
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 
1 tbsp. Fish sauce 
1/2 tsp. Cornstarch + 1 tbsp. cold water 
Kosher Salt, as needed 

1. Prepare the Ground Beef:

   • In a bowl, combine 1/2 tsp. baking soda with 1 tbsp. water. Add the ground beef and mix thoroughly. Let it rest for 15 minutes to tenderize the meat.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the finely diced onion until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
   • Stir in the second amount of baking soda (1/8 tsp.) to enhance the colour of the onions and speed up the cooking time.  
   • Add the garlic, Hungarian paprika, and chili flakes. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
     
     

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Stir in the second amount of baking soda (1/8 tsp.) to enhance the beef's texture.
     
     

4. Create the Sauce:

   • Lower the heat to medium and mix in the brown sugar, double concentrated tomato paste, ketchup, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
     
     

5. Thicken the Mixture:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
     
     

6. Season and Adjust:

   • Taste and season with kosher salt as needed. Adjust the sweetness, acidity, or heat by adding a touch more brown sugar, vinegar, or chili flakes, according to your preference.
     
     

7. Serve:

   • Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted buns or rolls. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like coleslaw, pickles, or crispy potato chips.