Minnesota Sloppy Joes
A slow-cooked, classic comfort food made with ground beef or turkey, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, onions, and celery. A make-ahead meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped onion adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped celery adjust to taste
To Serve:
- Hamburger buns preferably toasted
- Sliced hamburger pickles
- Potato chips optional
Instructions
Brown the meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles during the cooking process. If preparing a larger quantity, use multiple skillets to allow for even browning. Drain any excess fat as needed.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker:
- While the meat cooks, add ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chopped onion, and chopped celery to the slow cooker. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Add meat and slow cook:
- Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker. Stir again to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours. Stir occasionally if possible. Cooking longer is acceptable and may enhance the flavor further.
Prepare to serve:
- Shortly before serving, toast the hamburger buns, if desired. To assemble, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun, top with pickle slices and a few potato chips if using, then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
To make Minnesota Sloppy Joes gluten-free, substitute regular hamburger buns with certified gluten-free buns. Additionally, ensure that all condiments—particularly the ketchup and mustard—are labeled gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination. Most common brands offer gluten-free versions, but verification is recommended for dietary safety.