Sloppy joes are a classic American dish that is beloved by many for its saucy, flavorful ground beef filling. However, a common issue that arises when making sloppy joes is ending up with a filling that is too thin and watery. While the loose texture is partly what gives sloppy joes their name, an overly thin filling can make for a big mess and compromised flavor. Luckily, there are several easy tricks you can use to thicken up a sloppy joe filling so you get the perfect saucy consistency every time.
Use Tomato Paste
One of the easiest and most effective ways to thicken up a thin sloppy joe filling is to stir in some tomato paste. Tomato paste is made from cooked, concentrated tomatoes that have had the excess water and seeds removed. This gives tomato paste a rich, thick texture and concentrated tomato flavor. Just a couple tablespoons of tomato paste added to your sloppy joe mix can help absorb excess moisture and tighten up the filling. When adding tomato paste, be sure to mix it in well so there are no clumps left.
Cook With No Lid
Allowing your sloppy joe meat to cook uncovered rather than with a lid can help moisture evaporate out, resulting in a thicker filling. Cook the meat on medium heat and resist putting a lid on the pan, even if it seems to splatter a bit. This will allow the liquid to reduce faster. Continue cooking and stirring the meat until the desired thick consistency is reached.
Simmer the Mixture
Simmering the sloppy joe mixture for an extended period of time after adding the ingredients is another great way to thicken it up. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to cook off, as well as give the flavors more time to meld together. Just be sure to stir occasionally so the bottom does not burn. The longer you simmer, the thicker your filling will become.
Add Dry Ingredients
Adding some dry ingredients to your sloppy joe mix can also help absorb moisture for a thicker result. A tablespoon or two of pantry staples like flour, corn starch, bread crumbs or crushed crackers can all help soak up excess liquid. Be sure to sprinkle them in slowly and mix well so there are no clumps. You can also make a slurry by mixing the dry ingredients with a bit of water first before adding to the pan.
Drain Excess Fat
Excess grease from the meat can sometimes thin out a sloppy joe filling. Try browning the meat first, then draining out any fat before adding your other ingredients. You can drain the grease into a heat proof container, allow it to cool and dispose of it. Removing this excess fat will help ensure your finished sauce has the ideal thick texture.
Use Thick Tomato Products
Swapping out tomato sauce or juice for a thicker tomato product can instantly give your sloppy joe filling more body. Opt for tomato puree, which has a smooth, thick consistency, or a tomato product made specifically for sloppy joes. You can also puree whole tomatoes or tomato sauce in a blender if you want a thicker, smoother texture without having to purchase anything new.
Add Some Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an easy pantry ingredient you can use to thicken up a thin sloppy joe filling. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a bit of cool water first to make a slurry. Then, stir the slurry into your hot sloppy joe mix. Bring to a boil for 1 minute to activate the cornstarch. The filling will rapidly thicken to the perfect saucy consistency. Be careful not to add too much cornstarch, as this can make the filling overly thick.
Mix in Instant Mashed Potatoes
Surprisingly, instant mashed potatoes can work wonders for thickening up a runny sloppy joe filling. Add 2-3 tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes and stir thoroughly until well combined. The potato flakes will absorb a lot of the moisture, giving you a thicker, saucy texture. Just be careful not to add too much or your filling may become too thick and gloppy.
Cook Meat Mixture Longer
For a filling that is very loose, try cooking the meat mixture a bit longer to allow more moisture to cook off. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the volume of liquid has reduced and the filling has reached your desired consistency. This may take 10-15 minutes of extra cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning or overcooking.
Use Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you have some fresh bread crumbs on hand, they can be used to absorb excess moisture in a sloppy joe filling. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs and stir until well combined. The crumbs soak up liquid quickly. You can add a bit more if needed to reach the perfect thick, saucy texture.
Conclusion
Achieving the ideal thick and saucy consistency for sloppy joes does not have to be difficult. With a few easy cooking tweaks and pantry staple thickeners, you can transform a thin, drippy filling into the perfect saucy sloppy joe texture. Experiment with these handy tips and tricks to find your ideal thickness so you can enjoy flavorful, mess-free sloppy joes that live up to their delicious potential. Thick or thin, sloppy joes are an American classic loved by kids and adults alike!