Sizzling Tangy Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special that hits all the right flavor notes, and this tangy smokey sloppy joe and provolone recipe delivers pure comfort.

Packed with bold spices and rich ingredients, these sandwiches promise a delightful explosion of taste.

The classic dish gets an upgraded twist with carefully balanced smoky undertones.

Melted provolone cheese adds a creamy dimension that perfectly complements the robust meat mixture.

Each bite combines tender ground beef with a zesty sauce that dances across your palate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a napkin and prepare for a flavor adventure that elevates the humble sloppy joe to new culinary heights.

FAQs

• What gives this Sloppy Joe its smoky flavor?

The combination of smoked paprika and chili powder creates a deep, rich smoky taste that sets this recipe apart from traditional Sloppy Joes.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat level to suit your personal taste preferences by decreasing the amount of spicy ingredients.

• Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative to beef. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to maintain the right sauce consistency.

• What type of bread works best for these Sloppy Joes?

Sturdy sandwich rolls or hamburger buns work perfectly. The key is to choose a bun that can hold up to the saucy filling without becoming soggy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Smokey Sloppy Joe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that creates the rich, satisfying foundation of the sloppy joe filling.
• Onion: Adds deep, sweet undertones and aromatic complexity to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, bold flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients smoothly and prevents sticking while adding subtle richness.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers distinctive smoky essence that makes the dish uniquely flavorful.
• Chili Powder: Introduces warm, slightly spicy notes that complement the meat.
• Brown Sugar: Balances heat with a gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the filling.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle, zingy heat to awaken the taste buds.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all other flavors.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes deep, umami complexity to the overall flavor.
• Sandwich Rolls: Sturdy base that holds the saucy filling perfectly.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy, mild cheese flavor.
• Butter: Helps create golden, crispy toasted bun exterior.

Tools to Toast Provolone and Joe Together

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef and creating the sloppy joe filling.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking apart ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like smoked paprika and chili powder.
• Knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Broiler or Toaster: Used for toasting buns and melting cheese.
• Cheese Slicer or Knife: Helps slice provolone cheese neatly.
• Serving Plates: For presenting the finished sloppy joe sandwiches.

Cooking Smokey Sloppy Joe: Instruction

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them soften and become fragrant.

• Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir the spices into the meat, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify for about 10 minutes.

• Toast and Build

Butter sandwich rolls and toast until they’re golden and crispy. Heap the smoky meat mixture onto the bottom bun, crown with a slice of Provolone, and slide under the broiler until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

• Serve with Flair

Pull out your masterpiece, add any extra toppings you love, and complete the sandwich. Plate with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Tame the Tang or Add Kick

• Pro Tips and Tasty Twists
• For ultra-tender results, choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content to ensure juiciness and rich flavor without excessive greasiness.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder levels to personalize heat intensity; start with small amounts and taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
• Transform this classic into a lighter dish by substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives while maintaining the signature smoky profile.
• Prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Serve the sloppy joe mixture over cauliflower rice or use gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising deliciousness.

Serving Ideas for Sloppy Joe Lovers

• Flavor Burst Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or fresh chopped cilantro over the melted Provolone for an extra punch of flavor and texture.
• Dipping Delights: Serve alongside tangy ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or homemade barbecue sauce for guests who love additional dipping options.
• Balanced Plate Companion: Pair the sloppy joe with a crisp cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or roasted sweet potato wedges to balance the rich, smoky sandwich.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own sloppy joe station with various toppings like sliced pickles, caramelized onions, and different cheese options for a fun, interactive meal.

How to Store These Smokey Sandwiches

• Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Portion the meat mixture into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Warm the sloppy joe filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying out. Heat until steaming hot and bubbling, typically 5-7 minutes.
• Keep toasted buns separate from the meat mixture until serving to prevent sogginess. If preparing in advance, store components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain the perfect crunch and texture.

Tangy Smokey Sloppy Joe And Provolone Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe with smokey provolone cheese brings comfort food to new heights. Hearty meat and melted cheese create a satisfying sandwich perfect for casual dining with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground turkey
• 4 sandwich rolls
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Butter

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, combining chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
2. Brown Protein: Add ground beef to the skillet, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring complete and even cooking while developing rich caramelized notes.
3. Spice Infusion: Generously sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the meat, creating a complex and vibrant flavor foundation.
4. Sauce Integration: Blend tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to marry the ingredients and build deep, harmonious flavors.
5. Simmer and Concentrate: Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens and transforms into a robust, intensely flavored filling.
6. Prepare Rolls: Lightly brush sandwich rolls with butter and toast until achieving a golden, crisp exterior that provides textural contrast to the tender filling.
7. Assemble and Melt: Ladle the smoky meat mixture onto toasted roll bottoms, top with Provolone cheese, and briefly broil until the cheese melts into a luxurious, bubbling layer.
8. Finalize and Serve: Complete the sandwich with optional garnishes like pickles or coleslaw, add the top bun, and serve immediately alongside crisp french fries or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Select Lean Meat: Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat to balance flavor and prevent excessive greasiness while maintaining juicy texture.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to personalize heat level, starting with smaller amounts for milder versions.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly, stirring occasionally, to develop rich flavors and achieve thick, clingy texture that won’t drip excessively.
• Toast Rolls Strategically: Brush rolls with butter sparingly and toast until light golden to prevent burning while creating crispy exterior that supports heavy filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg