Homemade sloppy Joes are a longtime family favorite. This version adds earthy mushrooms to give the filling more depth and a less sweet, more savory profile.
Shopping at Walmart can be an adventure. The store seems to collect people and purchases that make you do a double take—everything from impulse novelties to perfectly practical kitchen replacements. One late-night run for parchment paper and a replacement blender part turned into a quick browse through the aisles, a reminder that it’s often the simplest stores that carry the ingredients for the most comforting meals.
But then again, Walmart is the perfect place to pick up the ingredients for homemade sloppy Joes.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Light and Healthy (2011)
Ingredients:
- 6 oz white mushrooms, sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium onion, minced (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 10 ounces 93% lean ground beef
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Preparation:
Combine the sliced mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of the canola oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the mushrooms soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are well browned, another 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until finely ground—about 6 short pulses. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the mushrooms by hand.
Wipe the skillet clean, then heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil over medium until shimmering. Add the processed mushrooms and the minced onion, cover, and cook until the onion softens, about 8 to 12 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until it thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and simmer, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
This mushroom-enhanced sloppy Joe keeps the familiar comfort of the classic sandwich while cutting some of the sweetness and adding a richer, umami flavor. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat replacement. Serve with a side of coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad to balance the meal.
Leftovers refrigerate well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
On a lighter note: if you enjoy superhero movies, a late-night trip to the store is a fine excuse to revisit a favorite film. Beyond that, few things are as satisfying as a simple, well-made sloppy Joe shared with family or friends.