Sloppy Joes with Crunchy Red Onions and Honey-Lime Carrot Salad

These sloppy joes are anything but ordinary. We’ve taken the classic saucy, savory sandwich and given it a fresh upgrade with crunchy red onions and a bright, zesty side salad. The combination of tender, seasoned beef piled high on a soft bun, topped with crisp onion slices and served alongside a honey-lime carrot salad creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. The sweet and tangy sloppy joe filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy, citrusy salad, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 small onion, dicedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/2 cup ketchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons brown sugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon mustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt and pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 hamburger bunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/2 red onion, thinly slicedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 carrots, shaved into ribbonsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons honeyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Juice of 1 limeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons olive oilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons chopped cilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the carrot salad: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add the shaved carrot ribbons and chopped cilantro. Toss to coat. Set aside.
4. Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom buns. Top with sliced red onion and the top bun.
5. Serve the sloppy joes with the honey-lime carrot salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

How do I shave carrots into ribbons?

Use a vegetable peeler to peel long, thin strips from the carrots. This creates delicate ribbons that are perfect for the salad.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.