Mississippi Sloppy Joes Tangy Southern (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - Ground beef (80/20), 680 grams
02 - Unsalted or salted butter, 30 grams
03 - Small onion, finely diced
04 - Garlic cloves, 3-4, minced
05 - Green bell pepper, 1/2, finely diced (optional)
06 - Worcestershire sauce, 15 ml
07 - Dijon mustard, 15 ml
08 - Brown sugar, 15 ml
09 - Tomato sauce, 225 grams (1 can)
10 - Ketchup, 30 ml
11 - Tomato paste, 15 ml
12 - Ranch seasoning mix, 28 grams (1 packet)
13 - Sliced pepperoncini peppers, 120 ml
14 - Pepperoncini juice, 30 ml
15 - Smoked paprika, 5 ml
16 - Cayenne pepper, 1 ml (optional)
17 - Salt, to taste
18 - Black pepper, to taste

→ For Serving

19 - Brioche hamburger buns or toasted Kaiser rolls, 6
20 - Melted butter, 30 ml (for brushing buns)
21 - Provolone or cheddar cheese slices, 6 (optional)
22 - Pickles or extra pepperoncini, for topping

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat, reserving a small amount if desired for added richness.
02 - Introduce butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and the optional finely diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
03 - Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Continue cooking for 1 minute, allowing these foundational flavors to meld.
04 - Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring a smooth, consistent base for the sloppy joe mixture.
05 - Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and the optional cayenne pepper. Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, incorporating them evenly into the mixture.
06 - Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This crucial step permits the sauce to thicken and the complex flavors to deepen. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed for perfect balance.
07 - Brush the interior cut sides of the brioche hamburger buns or Kaiser rolls with the melted butter. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until they achieve a golden-brown crispness.
08 - Spoon a generous portion of the hot Mississippi Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Optionally, top with a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese, additional pepperoncini, or pickles. Complete the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For optimal flavor and moisture, utilize ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio.
02 - The incorporation of butter is fundamental for replicating the signature richness found in Mississippi Pot Roast; this step should not be omitted.
03 - Allowing the sauce to simmer thoroughly is essential for proper thickening and comprehensive flavor development.
04 - Always taste the mixture before serving and adjust seasonings, focusing on a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, to your personal preference.
05 - Toasting the buns is highly recommended as it creates a barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy from the moist filling.
06 - The sloppy joe filling can be prepared in advance, as its flavors frequently deepen and improve overnight.
07 - For a barbecue-infused variation, incorporate 60 ml of your preferred BBQ sauce into the filling mixture.
08 - To create a cheesy version of Mississippi Joes, stir 120 ml of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese directly into the hot filling until melted and combined.
09 - Consider substituting ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
10 - For those desiring a spicier rendition, add fresh diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
11 - Serve this versatile filling on smaller Hawaiian rolls to create Mississippi Sloppy Joe Sliders, ideal for appetizers or gatherings.

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