Sloppy Bean Joes

Sloppy joes meet baked beans in this budget-friendly mashup that stretches half a pound of ground beef into four generous servings. The canned beans with pork bulk up the filling while the chili sauce brings tangy, slightly spicy flavor without a long list of seasonings.

Brown the beef with green bell pepper and onion, drain the fat, then stir in the beans and chili sauce. A quick simmer is all it takes to meld everything together into a thick, saucy mixture that piles high on toasted buns.

Serving it open-faced on two toasted bun halves instead of sandwiched means every bite gets loaded with the meaty bean mixture. Grab a fork for this one.

Pro Tips

• Drain the browned beef well so the filling isn’t greasy
• Don’t drain the beans. The liquid adds body and flavor to the sauce
• Toast the buns so they hold up under the wet filling without getting soggy
• Simmer the full 10 minutes if you want a thicker, less saucy result

Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
• Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of mustard for a tangier sloppy joe
• Top with shredded cheddar and pickled jalapeños for a loaded version