Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite. This recipe combines the rich flavors of chipotle peppers and pineapple, creating a balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. It's perfect for a casual dinner with a hint of gourmet flair.

Ingredients for Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes

Ground beef is the heart of our Sloppy Joes, providing a hearty base. Olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the dish with rich flavors. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, while ketchup and pineapple juice bring sweetness and a touch of acidity. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami kick, complemented by the brown sugar. The star of the show, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, introduce a smoky heat, enhanced by smoked paprika. A pinch of salt and black pepper ties everything together. Fresh pineapple chunks add texture and extra sweetness, while cilantro provides a fresh, herbal finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, add a dash more smoked paprika.
  • Toast the buns in the oven for even browning and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier side, consider serving with roasted sweet potato fries. A cold beer or a light lemonade complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it's browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. This part should take around 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your stove's heat.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the ketchup, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Then, add the minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated.

Let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Fold in the crushed pineapple and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a lovely sweetness and a bit of texture to the mix.

While your mixture is finishing up, quickly toast the hamburger buns. This step adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Once everything is ready, spoon the beef mixture generously over the bottom halves of the buns. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, which adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Top with the other halves of the buns, and you’re ready to serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight meal.
  • Unique combination of sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, crushed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in ketchup, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Fold in crushed pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Toast hamburger buns lightly and spoon the mixture over the bottom halves.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and top with the other halves of the buns.

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