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Sloppy joe breakfast sandwich with a runny fried egg and melted cheddar on a toasted brioche bun, served on a glass table

Sloppy Joe Breakfast Sandwich

Author: Olivia Stone | Home Chef
600kcal
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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Sloppy joe breakfast sandwich with thick, sweet-tangy beef filling, a fried egg and melty cheddar on a toasted brioche bun. Make the filling ahead for an 8-minute breakfast.
Servings 6 sandwiches
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

Ingredients

For the sloppy joe filling
  • 1 lb 85% lean ground beef 454 g
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion finely diced, about 3/4 cup (85 g)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced, about 1/2 cup (75 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 227 g, plain
  • 1/4 cup ketchup 60 g
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar 13 g, packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 15 ml
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard 5 g
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the sandwiches
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter 28 g, divided
  • 6 brioche buns or English muffins, split
  • 6 large eggs
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese or American cheese, about 4 oz (113 g)

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet
  • Nonstick skillet with lid
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Wooden spoon or potato masher

Method

Make the filling
  1. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, press it flat and leave it alone for 2 minutes, then break it into small crumbles and cook 4 to 5 minutes more until browned with no pink left.
  2. Spoon off all but about 1 tablespoon of fat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the onion turns soft and translucent at the edges.
  3. Stir in the garlic and smoked paprika and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir well and lower the heat to medium-low.
  5. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick enough that a spoon dragged through it leaves a trail for 1 to 2 seconds. The beef should read 160°F (71°C). Taste and adjust salt.
Build the sandwiches
  1. While the filling simmers, spread 1 tablespoon butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them cut side down in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden.
  2. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs (in batches if needed) and cook 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set.
  3. Lay a slice of cheese on each egg, cover the pan and cook 30 to 60 seconds until the cheese melts. For firm yolks, keep covered 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  4. Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling onto each bottom bun, top with a cheesy egg and the top bun. Serve right away.

Nutrition

Serving1sandwichCalories600kcalCarbohydrates44gProtein32gFat33gSaturated Fat14gCholesterol265mgSodium1130mgFiber2gSugar12g

Notes

  • Make ahead: cook the filling up to 4 days ahead and refrigerate it covered. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Freezing: freeze the filling flat in zip-top bags for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Eggs: FoodSafety.gov advises cooking eggs until the yolk and white are firm, especially for young children, pregnant women and older adults.
  • Swaps: use 93% lean ground turkey plus 1 tsp oil, or pork breakfast sausage for a diner-style flavor.
  • Nutrition is an estimate per sandwich with brioche buns and cheddar.

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