Loaded Sloppy Joes With Bacon, Pickled Jalapeños, Onions, & Cheese

What You’ll Need

Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 1 lb grass-fed ground beef

• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped

• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup each of ketchup & tomato sauce + 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1–2 tbsp cooking oil (grapeseed, olive, or avocado oil)

Toppings

• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

• ½ cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)

• ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices, or pickles

• 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese

• Fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)

For Serving

• 4 brioche, pretzel, or kaiser buns, lightly toasted

• Butter for toasting buns

Let’s Cook

1. Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.

2. Remove and set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.

3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.

2. Make the Sloppy Joe Base

1. In the same pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add ground beef and brown, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Add bacon and mix. 

3. Build the Sandwiches

1. Butter and toast buns on a skillet until golden.

2. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun.

3. Top with a slice of cheese, pickled onions, jalapeños, and any other toppers.

4. Add fresh herbs if desired and crown with the top bun.

5. Serve with favorite sides