Chef-Style Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joe sandwiches have been an American favorite for generations. This recipe, created by chef Serenidy Pries,delivers a gourmet version that’s perfect for potlucks or parties and incorporates a Hop Valley classic—Citrus Mistress! A long way from the boring ground beef and bland sauce on a soggy bun you might remember as a kid, this one-pan recipe is a quick, easy, flavorful crowd-pleaser. It can easily be doubled and freezes well too.

One note, this recipe calls for ground bacon, which you won’t likely find on the store shelf. You can either grind it yourself in a food processor, or purchase your bacon from a local meat counter or butcher shop and ask them to grind it for you. The nice folks we asked ground the bacon and pork together for us.

Chef-Style Sloppy Joes

Serves 8

1 pound 97-percent lean ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 pound ground bacon

1 large white onion – finally diced

1 large green bell pepper – finely diced

6 garlic cloves – crushed

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake (optional)

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup Hop Valley Citrus Mistress IPA

1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke

8 hamburger buns or telera rolls

1 small red onion – thinly sliced

2 small red ripe tomatoes – thinly sliced

8 thin slices sharp cheddar cheese

Sliced wax peppers/pepperoncini

Brown your ground beef, ground pork and ground bacon together in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic, all the spices and tomato paste. Sauté until the tomato paste starts to become fragrant and darken in color.

Now add the one cup of Citrus Mistress. When everything starts to bubble, add the barbecue sauce, beef stock and liquid smoke. Return to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re storing it for later, let it cool, then you can put it in plastic storage bags or similar container and freeze for up to three months.

To build your sandwiches, start with your favorite hamburger buns toasted or untoasted to your preference. (Telera rolls are another excellent option.) Start with a healthy serving of the warm, bubbly meat mixture then top with wax peppers, sliced tomato, sliced red onion and cheese. Garnish with your favorite chips, a pickle and a Citrus Mistress on the side and you’re ready to enjoy a gourmet, beer-infused American classic. Cheers!