Description
A new version of sloppy joes featuring smoky harissa paste and roasted red peppers for a complex, savory flavor. This elevated comfort food recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.1 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 7 oz jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 2 tbsp harissa paste, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2.5 oz tomato paste
- 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 4 soft burger buns, toasted
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzle)
- 0.5 oz fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- Cook Aromatics and Spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic, 1 tbsp harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build Sauce Layers: Stir in chopped roasted red peppers and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Simmer Sauce Filling: Return cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook covered for 20-45 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare Harissa Drizzle: Whisk remaining 1 tbsp harissa paste with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until smooth for the drizzle.
- Assemble and Serve: Taste filling and adjust seasoning if needed. Place a generous scoop onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Drizzle with harissa oil and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
To avoid soggy buns, always toast them before adding the filling. For a thicker sauce consistency, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of simmering. For a less spicy option, reduce the harissa paste in the sauce and add more to individual portions as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg