What happens when you combine the hearty richness of a classic pot roast with the irresistible messiness of a sloppy joe? You get Pot Roast Sloppy Joes! This flavorful twist on a timeless comfort food takes everything you love about a slow-cooked pot roast and transforms it into an easy-to-eat, handheld sandwich. It’s tender, saucy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game days, or even as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Get ready to spice up your sandwich game with this warm, comforting dish that delivers big flavors in every bite. Here's everything you need to know to make Pot Roast Sloppy Joes at home.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here's what you’ll need to make four hearty sandwiches:
For the Pot Roast mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into small chunks
- Salt and pepper, to season
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
For the sandwiches:
- 4 soft brioche buns or hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting the buns
- Sliced cheese (optional, such as provolone or cheddar)
- Pickles or coleslaw, for topping (optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and sear it on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this stage; the goal is to deepen the flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The fragrant aroma will tell you everything is ready to go!
3. Build the Sauce
Return the beef chunks to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, and chili powder if you're using it. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Slow-Cook the Pot Roast
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check occasionally, stirring to prevent sticking. The beef should be meltingly tender, easily shreddable with a fork.
5. Thicken the Sauce
When the beef is fully cooked, shred it directly in the skillet using two forks. If the sauce feels too runny for sandwiches, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Toast the Buns
While the pot roast mixture finishes cooking, heat a dab of butter in a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Split the brioche buns, then toast the insides until golden and slightly crisp. This prevents them from getting soggy once piled high with the filling.
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon a generous portion of the pot roast mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a slice of cheese if you'd like (it will melt beautifully over the hot filling), and top with pickles or a spoonful of crisp coleslaw for extra crunch. Place the top bun on and press down slightly to hold it all together.
Tips for Serving or Customizing
- Make it cheesy! If you love a gooey sandwich, top the shredded beef with shredded cheese and broil it for a minute before serving.
- Go low-carb: Skip the buns and serve the pot roast mixture in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mashed cauliflower.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Add texture: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of the filling for a little crunchy magic.
- Meal prep magic: The pot roast mix freezes and reheats beautifully, so make a big batch and save some for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love It
Pot Roast Sloppy Joes take everything comforting about a hearty pot roast dinner and condense it into sandwich form. Each bite has savory beef, a slightly tangy sauce, and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s messy in the best way, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Whether served with fries, chips, or coleslaw on the side, this meal is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. Go ahead, grab those napkins, and dig in!
إرسال تعليق