Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

INTRODUCTION

Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes bring a fun twist to a classic recipe. This dish takes the comfort of sloppy Joes and adds the rich flavors of Italian sausage. You can make them easily at home, and they are great for family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will love.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The combination of Italian sausage and lean ground beef creates a savory filling that is both satisfying and delicious. The addition of sweet red peppers and onions adds a nice sweetness and texture to each bite. Plus, who doesn’t love melted smoked mozzarella cheese on a toasted hoagie bun? This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests as well.

HOW TO MAKE Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

Making Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes is simple and requires minimal effort. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you will have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, these sloppy Joes are sure to impress.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes, you will need the following items:

• Large skillet
• 3 or 4-quart slow cooker
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 and 1 half pounds lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) no salt added tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 16 slices smoked mozzarella cheese (about 3 quarters pound)
• 8 hoagie buns, split and toasted
• Pickled hot cherry peppers (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage with the chopped red pepper and onion over medium-high heat. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink.
2. After cooking, transfer this mixture to a 3 or 4-quart slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, cook and crumble the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, which should also take about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Using a slotted spoon, add the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, and, if you like, add the liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. This step allows the flavors to blend nicely.
7. To serve, place a slice of cheese on the bun bottoms. Top them with the meat mixture and, if desired, add pickled hot cherry peppers for some extra kick. Finally, close the sandwiches.

HOW TO SERVE Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

To serve Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes, simply place the prepared sandwiches on a large platter. You can add some chips or a side salad for a complete meal. If you like, set out extra pickled hot cherry peppers for people to add more heat to their sandwiches.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, let the meat mixture cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many great sides to enjoy with Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes. Some popular options include:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• A simple green salad with a light dressing
• Cole slaw for a crunchy contrast
• Garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce

VARIATIONS

If you want to change things up, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Replace the Italian sausage with spicy sausage for a hotter version.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal.
• Add chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
• Swap the smoked mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Provolone or cheddar would also be delicious!

2. Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy Italian sausage.

3. Can I make these sloppy Joes without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook everything in a large skillet and serve it immediately instead of using a slow cooker.

4. Are sloppy Joes supposed to be messy?
Yes! Sloppy Joes are meant to be messy, which is part of the fun of eating them. Just have napkins handy!

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

You can make the meat mixture ahead of time for an easy dinner. Simply prepare the filling as directed and let it cool. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you are ready to serve, just reheat it in the slow cooker or a pot on the stove. This makes dinner preparation a breeze!

Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes are a fantastic meal option packed with flavor, fun, and comfort. With straightforward instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these tasty sandwiches in no time. So gather your family or friends, and get cooking!

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