Whether or not to drain the grease from sloppy joes is a common question when cooking this classic sandwich filling. The grease is what gives sloppy joes their characteristic flavor, but draining some of it can make the filling less messy. There are pros and cons to both options.
What is Sloppy Joe?
Sloppy joes are a type of loose meat sandwich where the filling is made from ground beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The sauce often contains ingredients like ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onions, and bell peppers. The name refers to the tendency for the juicy filling to spill out of the sandwich. Sloppy joes have been a popular dish in the Midwest United States since the 1930s. They are commonly served on a hamburger bun.
Does Sloppy Joe Filling Typically Contain Grease?
Yes, sloppy joe filling typically contains a good amount of grease from the ground beef. When browning the beef, some of the fat renders out. Then when simmering the sauce, more fat and grease is released from the meat. So the finished sloppy joe filling has a high grease content. The grease helps make the filling juicy, moist, and flavorful. It’s an essential component of classic sloppy joes.
Should You Drain the Grease?
Whether or not to drain off some of the grease is a matter of personal preference:
Reasons to Drain the Grease
– Makes the filling less messy and prone to dripping when eating
– Reduces overall fat and calorie content
– Allows more of the spice flavors to come through
– Healthier option for people monitoring fat intake
Reasons Not to Drain the Grease
– Preserves the classic sloppy joe flavor
– Keeps the filling moist and juicy
– Adds richness from the beef fat
– Easier and quicker preparation without draining step
Here is a table comparing draining vs. not draining the grease:
| Draining Grease | Not Draining Grease |
|---|---|
| Less messy and dripping | More authentic sloppy joe texture |
| Reduced fat and calories | Keeps filling moist and juicy |
| Allows spice flavors to shine | Adds rich flavor from fat |
| Healthier option | Quick and easy preparation |
How to Drain the Grease
If you do opt to drain off some of the grease, here are a couple easy methods:
– Use a gravy separator: Once the sloppy joe filling is cooked, pour it into a gravy separator which allows the grease to be poured off the top.
– Chill the filling: Refrigerate the cooked filling for 30-60 minutes until the grease solidifies. Then scrape off the layer of grease from the top.
– Use a paper towel: After cooking the filling, place a few paper towels on top and let it soak up excess grease.
Make sure to save any drained grease for another use rather than throwing it out. The flavorful beef fat can be used for cooking other dishes.
How Much Grease to Drain
If draining the grease, you don’t need to remove it all. Drain just enough to reduce the messiness and fat content as desired. Allowing some to remain will maintain moisture and flavor. Here are some general guidelines for how much to drain:
– For a mildly degreased filling: Drain just 1-2 tablespoons of grease
– For a moderately degreased filling: Drain 1/4 to 1/3 cup of grease
– For a mostly degreased filling: Drain up to 1/2 cup of grease
You can adjust the amount according to your tastes and dietary needs. Go slowly and check the consistency as you drain. Stop when it reaches the texture you prefer.
Recipe Adjustments When Draining Grease
When draining away grease, you’ll need to compensate by adding a little more moisture and richness back to the sloppy joes. Here are some tips:
– Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth after draining to prevent drying out
– Increase seasoning with a touch more ketchup, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce for flavor
– Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter for richness
– Thicken with an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water if needed
– Use juices from sauteed onions and peppers for extra moisture
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas for serving sloppy joes whether you drain the grease or not:
– Classic burger buns – the most common vessel for sloppy joes
– Sandwich rolls – kaiser or panini rolls can contain the filling well
– Bread bowls – hollow out a loaf of bread for a unique presentation
– Baked potatoes – top a hot baked potato with sloppy joe filling
– Tater tots – cover tater tots in sloppy joes for an appetizer
– Nachos – pile sloppy joe filling on tortilla chips and add cheese
– Hot dogs – use sloppy joe mix as a topper for hot dogs
– Baked potatoes – fill halved baked potatoes with sloppy joe filling
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
To store leftover sloppy joe filling:
– Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container
– Refrigerate for 3-4 days
– Freeze for 2-3 months
The grease may solidify when chilled. To reheat, warm on the stove over low, stirring often until fully warmed through. Add a splash of water if the filling seems too dry.
Drained sloppy joe filling will keep a bit longer than undrained since there is less fat to go rancid. But drained or not, sloppy joes make great leftovers!
Conclusion
Whether to drain the grease from sloppy joes is ultimately a personal choice. Allowing it to remain provides authentic flavor and texture. But draining some away can reduce mess, calories, and fat. There are good arguments on both sides. If you do drain grease, be sure to compensate with extra moisture and flavor. With the right adjustments, you can enjoy delicious sloppy joes however you prefer them! The most important thing is using high quality ingredients and finding the version that suits your tastes.