Mississippi Sloppy Joes offer a tangy and savory twist on the traditional sloppy joe, with flavors inspired by the popular Mississippi Pot Roast. Featuring lean ground beef, au jus, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini peppers, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup pepperoncini pepper rings plus ¼ cup juice from jar
- 8 hamburger buns
Directions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat and brown, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain the fat from the beef.
Step 2: Melt the Butter Add the butter to the skillet with the beef over low heat and let it melt.
Step 3: Add Seasonings Once melted, sprinkle the au jus and ranch seasoning over the top and stir well to coat.
Step 4: Add Pepperoncini and Cook Stir in the pepper rings and juice plus ½ cup of water and let cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. These won’t be very saucy, but the liquid will reduce down.
Step 5: Serve Spoon the meat mixture over the sandwich buns and serve hot.
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Sides: Serve Mississippi Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
- Toppings: Enhance your sloppy joes by adding cheese slices, extra pepperoncini peppers, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Bread Choices: While traditional hamburger buns work well, you can also try serving the mixture on brioche buns, slider rolls, or even over toasted garlic bread for a unique twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled meat mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Pro Tip: When reheating, add a little extra butter or a splash of beef broth to keep the meat mixture moist and flavorful.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Mississippi Sloppy Joes anytime, with minimal effort!
Variations:
1. Chicken Mississippi Sloppy Joes Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Follow the same cooking steps, but reduce the cooking time slightly as chicken cooks faster than beef.
2. Vegetarian Mississippi Sloppy Joes Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian option. Lentils can be cooked in advance and then simmered with the seasonings and pepperoncini peppers.
3. Spicy Mississippi Sloppy Joes If you love extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use hot pepperoncini peppers instead of the mild variety.
4. Cheesy Mississippi Sloppy Joes Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture just before serving. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, rich texture.
5. BBQ Mississippi Sloppy Joes For a BBQ twist, add 1/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the meat mixture along with the other seasonings. This adds a smoky, sweet flavor that complements the tangy pepperoncini peppers.
6. Mississippi Sloppy Joe Sliders Make mini versions of these sloppy joes using slider buns. This variation is perfect for parties or as an appetizer. Follow the same recipe, but portion the meat mixture onto smaller buns.
7. Low-Carb Mississippi Sloppy Joes Serve the meat mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. This is a great option if you’re looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor.
8. Mississippi Sloppy Joe Tacos For a fun twist, serve the meat mixture in soft taco shells or tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious sloppy joe taco.
9. Mississippi Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers For a low-carb and veggie-packed version, use bell peppers as the base. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the sloppy joe mixture. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
10. Open-Faced Mississippi Sloppy Joes Serve the meat mixture over a slice of toasted bread or garlic bread instead of using hamburger buns. This variation is great for a knife-and-fork meal and adds a crunchy texture to the dish.
11. Mississippi Sloppy Joe Casserole Turn this recipe into a casserole by layering the sloppy joe mixture with cornbread batter. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish, top with cornbread batter, and bake according to the cornbread package directions until golden brown and cooked through.
By experimenting with these variations, you can keep the flavors of Mississippi Sloppy Joes fresh and exciting, catering to different dietary preferences and taste buds. Enjoy trying out these creative twists on a classic favorite!
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of meat for Mississippi Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even pork. Each type of meat will bring a slightly different flavor to the dish.
2. How can I make Mississippi Sloppy Joes less spicy?
To make them less spicy, use mild pepperoncini peppers and reduce the amount of pepper juice added. You can also omit the pepperoncini peppers altogether if you prefer a milder taste.
3. Can I make Mississippi Sloppy Joes in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Brown the ground beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the butter, au jus mix, ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and juice. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Are Mississippi Sloppy Joes gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free buns and ensuring the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I prepare Mississippi Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
6. What sides go well with Mississippi Sloppy Joes?
Popular side dishes include coleslaw, potato chips, French fries, a simple green salad, or baked beans. These sides complement the tangy and savory flavors of the sloppy joes.
7. How can I make Mississippi Sloppy Joes more saucy?
If you prefer a saucier mixture, add an additional ½ cup of water or beef broth while cooking. You can also mix in some tomato sauce or ketchup for extra moisture and flavor.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the meat mixture can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
9. How do I reheat Mississippi Sloppy Joes without drying them out?
Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
10. What other toppings can I add to my Mississippi Sloppy Joes?
You can customize your sloppy joes with toppings like shredded cheese, sliced onions, pickles, jalapeños, or even a fried egg for extra flavor and texture.
By addressing these FAQs, you can enjoy making and serving Mississippi Sloppy Joes with confidence, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.