Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks, creating small crumbles rather than large chunks. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops some light brown edges.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, tilt the pan carefully and spoon out most of the rendered fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
- Pour the entire can of Manwich sauce directly over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir everything together until the meat is completely coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should bubble gently rather than boil aggressively. You'll know it's ready when the sauce coats the back of your spoon and doesn't run off immediately.
- Take a small spoonful and taste the mixture once it's thickened. If you want more kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of black pepper. If it tastes too acidic, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- While the mixture finishes simmering, you can lightly toast your hamburger buns if desired. Place them cut-side down in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place the bottom half of each bun on a plate and spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture on top. Use about three-quarters of a cup of filling per sandwich. Top with the other half of the bun and press down gently.
- Serve immediately while the filling is hot and the buns are still structurally sound. Provide plenty of napkins.
Notes
Let the meat mixture sit for 2 minutes after you turn off the heat before assembling sandwiches. This brief rest allows the sauce to thicken just a bit more and prevents the first bite from squirting filling everywhere. Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags.