Description
Mississippi Sloppy Joes: A quick and comforting crowd-pleaser made with ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (907g) ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) au jus gravy mix
- 8 pepperoncini peppers, sliced, plus 2 tablespoons of the brine
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional: 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until thoroughly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor. Return the skillet to medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the Signature Seasonings Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the browned meat. Stir thoroughly to coat every bit of beef with these flavor-packed seasonings. The aroma will immediately transform as these distinctive elements of Mississippi Sloppy Joes begin to work their magic.
- Step 3: Incorporate the Pepperoncini Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers and 2 tablespoons of their brine to the seasoned meat. This provides the signature tangy kick that makes Mississippi Sloppy Joes so special. Stir to distribute the peppers throughout the mixture.
- Step 4: Add Richness with Butter Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and add to the skillet. As the butter melts, gently fold it through the meat mixture. This creates the luxurious mouthfeel that elevates Mississippi Sloppy Joes above traditional recipes. The butter also helps bind the flavors together into a cohesive, craveable sauce.
- Step 5: Simmer to Perfection Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld while creating the perfect sauce consistency. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly as it reduces – aim for a mixture that’s moist and saucy without being soupy.
- Step 6: Prepare and Serve While the meat mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired. Toasting prevents the buns from becoming soggy too quickly. Scoop generous portions of the Mississippi Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. If using cheese, place a slice on top of the hot meat mixture and allow it to melt slightly before closing the sandwich. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg