Smoky BBQ Sloppy Joes is one of those simple meals that fills the kitchen with a rich, smoky smell and gets dinner on the table fast. Ground beef cooks quickly on the flat top, soaking up sweet BBQ sauce, onions, and garlic. The result is saucy, savory, and perfect for soft toasted buns.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon butter for toasting buns
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat the Blackstone grill to medium heat. Spread a thin layer of oil across the flat top so the beef does not stick.
- Add the ground beef to the hot grill. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let the beef brown until it develops a deep savory color.
- Push the beef slightly to one side of the grill. Add diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir it into the beef mixture so the flavor spreads evenly.
- Pour the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Mix everything together well.
- Let the mixture simmer on the grill for about 5 minutes. Stir often so the sauce thickens and coats every piece of beef.
- Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast them on the grill until lightly golden and crisp.
- Spoon the smoky sloppy joe mixture onto the warm buns. Serve immediately while the filling is hot and saucy.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Cooking the beef on low heat. A hot grill helps the beef brown properly and adds flavor.
- Adding sauce too early. Let the beef brown first. This keeps the texture rich and hearty.
- Too much sauce. The mixture should be thick and spoonable, not soupy.
- Skipping the toasted buns. Toasted buns hold the filling better and add a nice crisp texture.
Tips For Success
- Use ground beef that is about 80 percent lean. It keeps the meat juicy while cooking.
- Chop onions small so they melt nicely into the sauce.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- A flat top grill works best because it keeps the sauce contained and easy to stir.
If you love recipes using ground beef, this method works for many meals cooked on a flat top. The grill adds extra flavor while keeping everything simple.
How To Serve
These sloppy joes are perfect with simple sides. The rich BBQ flavor pairs well with light and crispy dishes.
- Serve with classic potato chips or fries.
- Add a crisp cabbage slaw for freshness.
- Pickles bring a bright flavor that balances the sweet BBQ sauce.
- Grilled corn makes the meal feel like a backyard cookout.
If you enjoy hearty ground beef dishes, you might also like this comforting Mexican ground beef casserole with rice. It is another filling meal that works well for busy evenings.
Flavor Add In Ideas
This sloppy joe mixture is easy to adjust. Small changes can create new flavors without much extra work.
- Cheesy version: Melt shredded cheddar into the meat mixture.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweet smoky flavor: Stir in a spoon of maple syrup.
- Pepper boost: Add chopped bell peppers with the onions.
If you often look for things to make with ground beef, these variations can help turn one recipe into several different dinners.
For another creative meal idea, try this hearty sheet pan ground beef pot pie. It is warm, filling, and great when you want comfort food.
Smoky BBQ Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Blackstone grill to medium heat and lightly oil the flat top surface.
- Add the ground beef to the hot grill and break it apart with a spatula while cooking until nicely browned.
- Push the beef slightly to one side and cook the diced onion for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then mix it into the beef.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Spread butter on the inside of the hamburger buns and toast them on the grill until golden.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
This recipe works well for meal prep, which makes it perfect for lazy dinners during a busy week.
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooled mixture for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of water if the sauce becomes thick.
Ground beef meals store well, which is why they are often used in dinner ideas with ground beef. Having a batch ready in the fridge makes weeknight cooking much easier.
If you enjoy skillet meals, take a look at this flavorful southwest ground beef skillet with sweet potatoes. It is another quick and satisfying dinner option.
FAQs
Can I make this sloppy joe recipe without a Blackstone grill?
Yes. You can cook the beef in a large skillet on the stove. The texture will still be great. The grill simply adds a bit more smoky flavor to the meat.
What is the best type of ground beef for sloppy joes?
Ground beef that is about 80 percent lean works best. It keeps the meat juicy while still browning nicely. This is why it is commonly used in many ground hamburger recipes and skillet dinners.
What other meals can I make with ground beef?
Ground beef is very versatile. It works well in tacos, casseroles, pasta sauces, and sandwiches. If you need more inspiration, this savory ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe is another simple dinner packed with flavor.
Conclusion
This Blackstone Grill Recipe Smoky BBQ Sloppy Joes is warm, saucy, and full of smoky flavor. It cooks quickly, uses simple ingredients, and makes a comforting meal everyone can enjoy. The rich BBQ sauce, tender ground beef, and toasted buns come together for a classic dinner that feels satisfying without much work.
If you enjoy practical things to do with ground beef, this recipe is a great one to keep on your weekly meal list. It is simple, filling, and easy to customize.
If this recipe looks delicious, save it for later and share it on Pinterest so you can come back to it the next time you need a quick and comforting dinner.