Sometimes I just want something quick and easy for dinner. On days when I've had a rough week like the one I had last week, I just want to get in and out of the kitchen as soon as I can. I had a sick pre-schooler on my hands and 2 boys who pretend that they have no idea where the food is in the kitchen. I also had a husband who was at work at all odd hours so I was left alone to do most of the work. So what's a mom to do on those super busy days? You do easy! And what's easier than Italian Sloppy Joes? Not only does it take very little time to prepare but everyone loves them.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 link fresh chicken Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen onion & pepper blend, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup marinara sauce
Spinach leaves
6-7 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
Buns of your choice
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the oil oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, making sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
Add the peppers and onions and saute until the liquid has cooked out, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned and cooked through, which will take about 5 minutes.
Add all of the seasonings and stir well to combine.
Add the brown sugar and marinara and stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover and let cook for about 10 minute to blend the flavors.
Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Just before serving, stir in the Italian parsley and some of the basil.
To serve, lay a few spinach leaves on the bottom of the bun, mound with as much of the meat mixture as you like and then sprinkle with additional fresh basil and some parmesan cheese.
Notes:
We use lean beef and chicken Italian sausage to save some fat & calories, but you can use the full-fat if you want to. Just be sure to drain any grease off, so you don't have a greasy dish.
If you prefer your sausage and beef to be more combined, you can mix them together prior to cooking and brown them both together in the first step. We like to keep them separate and get little bites of both, but that's totally up to you and won't change the flavor.
We lightly toast our buns to give them a little added texture. To do this, just pop them under the broiler for 30-60 seconds and watch them close so they don't burn.
I haven't made Sloppy Joes in years. It's rainy and cold outside and tonight would be the perfect night to make them. Your recipe looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alli and that's a very long time to not have had sloppy joes. They are so easy to make that we do them regularly.
DeleteOh just looking at your pic makes me want to make this today. I think I might have most of the ingredients in my house too. We always have ground beef. This looks delicious!!
ReplyDeleteOh it sure is and even if you don't have it all you can still make it as long as you have the meat and the sauce.
DeleteI love a good sloppy joe but I haven't had one in a while. Maybe this might make it on it's way to our table this year. Pinning so I can remember. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pinning Zara and you most definitely should have one sometime soon.
DeleteThis look so delicious! We love sloppy joes at our house. Such a great, easy recipe. I think I might have to make this for dinner tonight.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great and I'm sure the family would thank you.
DeleteI have never seen sloppy joes with both chicken and ground beef together. Sounds like an interesting flavor combination!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is and since I'm not entirely fond of pork I do a lot more chicken, turkey and beef in our house. You should most definitely try the combo together and let me know how you like it.
DeleteQuick and easy Dinners are great after a long day when you don't feel like doing too much, will have to try these Italian sloppy joes out!
ReplyDeleteOh you've certainly got the right idea. I hate slaving away in the kitchen when I've been out all day.
DeleteI've never made sloppy joes at home, but these look so delicious! I can't wait to try this recipe. I think my husband and kids would love this!!
ReplyDeleteOh man you have no idea what you're missing out on. You definitely have to make them for yourself.
DeleteMy husband would love this recipe. I'm pinning it and will be making it soon! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome and I hope you both like it.
DeleteThese look so good! My kids haven't really had sloppy joes before we are going to have to try this out!
ReplyDeleteOh you've got to introduce them to sloppy joes. They'll love it.
DeleteThis sloppy joe looks much better than the usual canned version that we have. I'd love to add this to our menu...thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh don't get me wrong, I do the canned variety as well when I'm running low on time but I prefer homemade any day!
Deleteomg this makes me want to leave the vegan lifestyle! this looks so good!!!
ReplyDeleteNot only looks good but tastes good too. I'm sure there is a vegan variety that you may be able to try.
DeleteI love sloppy joes but have never had it with 2 different meats before either and I usually just get it from the can. Will try your recipe.
ReplyDeleteThat's really how I used to do it, usually from a can since I'm lazy at times but I prefer the taste of home made.
DeleteIt looks really easy to follow and prepare. It does make an excellent meal too that is really tasty.
ReplyDeleteOh you have no idea how tasty it is. The kids love it and it really is super easy to prepare.
Deletethose sloppy joes look so good! I love this kind of sandwich. I used to make sloppy joes with pickles! Yum!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever added pickles to mine, that is a really good idea. Thank you.
DeleteOh yummy! I never try italian sloppy joes before but it looks really delicious and easy to make :D
ReplyDeleteIt is super easy to make. You most definitely have to give it a try, you'd wonder why you never thought of making it before.
DeleteI've tried Sloppy Joes once in my lifetime lol, it was yummy and tasty! I missed it now.
ReplyDeleteThen this is your chance to have it once again. Enjoy!
DeleteI remember the first time I tried Sloppy Joes. I was working in the States and it completely baffled me. I triedthem though and it was amazing!! I need to make this!
ReplyDeleteYes you really do need to. I think it's one of the easiest recipe to make. Totally delish!
DeleteLooks so delicious! I would like to this on fridays after a long week! I have never tried a sloppy joes so Im going to share it on yummly so i can find the recipe easier. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteOh you most definitely have to give this a try. You'll absolutely love it!
DeleteI bet this tastes amazing! My family loves sloppy joes, and I can just imagine how much they'd love these.
ReplyDeleteOh you have no idea how amazing this taste. You've got to try it.
DeleteThis look so good and easy to make too!! I can't wait to try this recipe!!
ReplyDeleteIf you do try it please let me know how you like it.
DeleteThis sloppy joe looks good. It looks really easy to follow and prepare!!
ReplyDeleteIt really is pretty easy. Give it a try.
DeleteI didnt know this is how people amke sloppy joes, I make similar atleast once a week and just serve with salad I will try it like this next week. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Miranda. Most people make it from the can but it tastes so much better when you make it on your own.
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