Savory Homemade Sloppy Joes with a Bold Citrus Kick
A Thick, Hearty Beef Classic with a Fiery Vinegar-Free Citrus Kick
What makes this the best homemade sloppy joe? The secret to a gourmet sloppy joe is a long reduction and the addition of Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce. Unlike traditional recipes or canned versions that rely on high amounts of vinegar and sugar—which can make the bun soggy and the flavor one-dimensional—our method uses a slow simmer to thicken the tomato base. By adding our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Hot, you introduce a rich, spicy, and tangy depth that cuts through the beef's richness without the sharp acidic bite of standard hot sauces.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Hot | Hot (8/10) - Rich, Spicy, & Tangy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 410
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 34g
Fat: 18g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1/2 (75 g) green bell pepper (capsicum), finely diced
1/2 (75 g) small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves (10 g) garlic, minced
3/4 cup (180 ml) ketchup
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
1 tsp (5 ml) yellow mustard
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) chili powder
1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt
1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
4 large brioche buns, toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Hot
Ingredient Spotlight: Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is vital for this recipe because it provides the "body" of the sauce. Unlike liquid tomato sauce, paste is highly concentrated, offering a deep umami flavor and acting as a natural thickener. By sautéing the paste for a minute before adding the liquids, you "cook out" the raw metallic taste and unlock a rich, brick-red color and savory sweetness.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce to transform this classic into a gourmet experience, fold our handcrafted small batch hot sauce into the meat mixture during the final simmer. The Blazing Citrus Hot variety provides a fiery, bold edge that works perfectly with the sweetness of the ketchup. Using this vinegar free hot sauce for cooking ensures the heat is clean and fruit-forward, enhancing the beef rather than masking it.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
Directions:
In a large black cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Pro-Tip: Finely dicing the vegetables ensures they cook at the same rate as the beef and integrate perfectly into the sauce.
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ketchup, mustard, chili powder, salt, pepper, and the Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Pro-Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired "sloppy" consistency.
While the meat simmers, butter and toast your buns on a separate griddle until golden brown.
Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Smokier: To add a deep, backyard-barbecue vibe, stir in a half-teaspoon of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of molasses. This adds a dark, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy citrus notes of the sauce.
Regional Swap (Mexican-style): Replace the bell pepper with a diced jalapeño and swap the chili powder for ground cumin. Serve the meat on the toasted buns topped with fresh coriander (cilantro), a slice of avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant, south-of-the-border twist.
The Perfect Toast: Never skip toasting the buns. Creating a golden, buttery crust on the cut side of the bread acts as a structural barrier, preventing the sauce from soaking into the crumb and ensuring the sandwich holds its shape until the last bite.
Meat Alternatives: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using poultry, add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan when sautéing the vegetables to compensate for the lower fat content of the meat.
Hidden Veggies: For picky eaters, you can grate carrots or finely minced mushrooms into the beef. They will shrink down and disappear into the sauce, adding extra nutrition and a boost of savory depth without changing the classic profile.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Ketchup.
New Measurement: 3/4 cup tomato sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
Why: This allows for more control over the sweetness level and provides a slightly more refined, less "vinegary" tomato flavor.
Replacing: Brioche buns.
New Measurement: Toasted potato rolls.
Why: Potato rolls have a unique squish and slight sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, saucy texture of the beef mixture.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Refrigerate the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
Freeze: The cooked meat mixture freezes perfectly for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
People Also Ask
How do I keep my Sloppy Joe buns from getting soggy? There are two secrets: the reduction and the toast. First, simmer your meat mixture uncovered until it is thick and jammy; if it's runny, it will soak into the bread. Second, always butter and toast the cut sides of your buns on a griddle. This creates a golden-brown structural barrier that prevents the sauce from penetrating the crumb.
Can I make Sloppy Joes without vinegar? Yes. Most recipes use vinegar or mustard for tang, but you can achieve a much more vibrant flavor using citrus. Blazing Citrus Hot uses organic citrus juices to provide a clean, tangy lift. This allows you to enjoy the classic "zing" of a sloppy joe without the harsh, lingering aftertaste of acetic acid.
What is the best meat for homemade Sloppy Joes? Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) is ideal. It provides enough fat for a savory flavor but won't leave your sandwiches feeling greasy. Always drain the excess fat after browning the meat but before adding your vegetables and sauce to ensure the cleanest texture.
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