I’ve been a rut the past few days and haven’t really felt very inspired at all – I think maybe I’m already getting depressed about summer ending.
For me, dreading winter and cold weather is like getting prepared for an asshole family member that’s coming to stay for an extended visit – you basically prepare yourself to stay in your bedroom as much as possible. Winter just needs to just go eff the eff off.
But, the good news is that the rut didn’t last very long, because after catching up with a good friend on the phone a few days ago I was reminded of one of my favorite comfort foods – the Sloppy Joe. I used to love them as a kid, but only at home. To me, they just looked gross as hell everywhere else. My dad always put chopped white onions and shredded cheddar cheese on sloppy joes, and no one else’s ever quite measured up. It was a big HELL NO to the schools’ sloppy joes.
I’m the same way with meatloaf. I’ve always eaten my moms, and it’s SO delicious, but…yeah, its a big no as far as any other meatloaf. I can’t wrap my mind around why anybody would order meatloaf at a restaurant. They must have been deprived of the good shit at home.
What about y’all, do you all like them? It used to be the best stuff-your-mouth-because-you’re-so-hungry-and-it’s-just-the-best-food kinda thing. It’s not gourmet or expensive, it’s just really good food.
Ok, so, let me tell you a story about my husband. He’s a picky man – well…kinda, sorta. He definitely will not EVER eat any fruit that is remotely warm, he eats his burgers with only cheese and ketchup (sometimes mayo) and doesn’t understand the concept of candied bacon. That’s some bullshit, right?
So, shortly after he moved to Alabama and we were married, I asked him if he liked Sloppy Joes.
Me: “Hey, do you like Sloppy Joes?
Mark: “Um…NO.”
Me: “Do you know what they are?”
Mark: “Of course I do – it’s slop on a bun.”
Me: “Ok, so, let me get this straight. You love burgers, beef, bread, etc., but you don’t like Sloppy Joes?”
Mark: “Lady (that’s his pet name for me), I love you dearly, but I know exactly what I like and don’t like when it comes to food.”
So, fast forward about a year or so. I just made dinner – and yes, I made Sloppy Joes, however I gave it another name for his sake, probably something like “I just wasn’t in the mood to make our burgers into shapes and you’ll like it” type thing.
Me: “Dinner’s ready; I hope you like it.”
Mark: “Lady, DAMN, these are SOOOO good, is there enough left for me to have another one?”
Me: “Oh… wait, what’s that? You mean you want another Sloppy Joe?”
*SILENCE*
Mark: “yeah”.
Me: SUCK IT.
Ok, fine, I may not have said that out loud. It’s very possible that I kept that moment to myself to just savor. He doesn’t listen to me most of the time, anyway. <— If you’re married you’ll know I’m kinda kidding.
What I’m sharing with you today is a version of my Sloppy Joes that are possibly all turnt up <—I really don’t know what that even means. It may be on steroids. Or maybe it’s on crack, I’m really not sure.
All I know is this – they’re not your regular ass Sloppy Joes.
Here’s the breakdown – The beef is taco seasoned, hit with some hot sauce (just a little), there’s also some sharp white cheddar cheese (yep, all melted up in there), caramelized onions, bell pepper, jalapeños and the rockstar of this whole beautiful Joe – mango. It’s beautifully served on on a slider bun dressed with salsa verde mayo. The mango takes it to such a beautiful level, and the sweetness balances the heat. Keep in mind that you can forego the heat from the jalapenos by using jarred mild pickled jalapeños instead. I do that sometimes, anyway, because I love the flavor of the pickled jalapeños. Candied jalapeños are another option, and I’ve used those, too!
Pro tip: Do NOT skimp on the salsa verde mayo!! It’s one of the best things that could ever happen to you in your life! I made it on a whim, and I want to put it on every damn thing.
BTW – look how cute my little jars I filled with salsa verde mayo and hot sauce with itty bitty spoons are! (I kinda took the jars from an out of town trip – they’re individual tiny little ketchup jars).
Ssshhh.
Here’s your printable!
Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground round
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp. Moore's Original Marinade
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup Sharp White Cheddar, shredded
- 2 tbsp hot sauce - This is my favorite
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, diced small (for less heat, use 1 1/2 tbsp jarred mild pickled jalapeños - keep the flavor without the burn)
- 1/2 mango, diced (OR a can of diced mango, measure out about 3/4 cup - it will be just as good!)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 package slider rolls
- 1/2 stick salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup mayo
Instructions
Brown ground round.
Add taco seasoning, water; cheese and Moore's and hot sauce. Stir until combined and bubbly; about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and cover.
Heat oil over medium high heat and add onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and mango.
Sprinkle with salt and sugar; toss every few minutes with tongs until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Toast slider rolls and brush each side with butter.
Combine salsa verde and mayo; spread on bottom sides of buns.
Add beef and top with onion/bell pepper mixture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1109Total Fat: 93gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 57gCholesterol: 196mgSodium: 3627mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 44g
The provided nutrition calculated may not always be accurate.
Did you make this recipe?
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Author
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Shea Goldstein is the voice behind Dixie Chik Cooks. She's a recipe developer and brand ambassador. She has been published in several media outlets such as Redbook, Parade, Food Blogger Magazine and more. Shea is a Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch.
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This Post Has 10 Comments
YUM!! you had me a Sloppy!! LOL
the flavors sound amazing!
Mango Jalapeno? Holy smokes that sounds good, lady! I love how you tricked your man into admitting he likes sloppy joes.
Wow!! That is a sandwich!!
not sloppy enough id say 5/45 slopps
Served this for a game day dish and it was a huge hit! Sooooo good. Kids loved it too! Will definitely be making this again!
So glad you liked them Lindsey!!
Way to keep it real Shea! Great spin on the sloppy joe and I love your sauce bottles…great idea!~Carolyn @ Cabot
Thanks Carolyn!!
Thanks, Adam – I want to hear about your pork belly!!!
Hell to the yeah, Shea! This is a home run!