These Sloppy Joes are not only deliciously tangy and satisfying but also incredibly affordable, costing just $1.81 per serving. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients with big flavors, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to stretch your grocery budget, these Sloppy Joes offer a quick, easy solution that doesn’t skimp on taste. Lentils are added to bulk up the recipe. Get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food that’s both kind to your wallet and your taste buds!
Cooked Lentils
You can prepare the lentils ahead of time. Boil them in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes until they are tender, but not mushy. They will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditionally Sloppy Joes are the meat sauce served on hamburger rolls.
- The meat sauce is great served over rice or as a baked potato topper.
- If you are trying to lower your carb intake then serve it on top of a green salad. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Roasted vegetables make a great low cost side dish
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup brown lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 package hamburger rolls (optional)
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Instructions
- Prepare the lentils by boiling in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil until hot.
- Add the beef and brown it, crumbling well.
- Add the onions and peppers and cook until soft.
- Mix in the tomato paste, garlic, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper and stir well for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, water, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until warm and thickened - about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Sloppy Joe Sandwich Cost per Serving Breakdown
Oil $0.05
Ground Beef $7.00
Lentils $0.35
Onion $1.50
Green Pepper $0.75
Tomato Paste $0.19
Garlic $0.27
Smoked Paprika $0.05
Chili Powder $0.05
Cayenne Pepper $0.05
Ketchup $0.40
Mustard $0.08
Worcestershire Sauce $0.10
Brown Sugar $0.05
Total Recipe Cost $10.89
Cost per Serving $1.82
