Smoky BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes with Chipotle Ranch Slaw

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a good sloppy Joe. This version takes the classic comfort food to new heights with smoky ground pork simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce, then piled onto soft brioche buns. A quick pickled red onion adds brightness, while a chipotle ranch coleslaw brings creaminess and crunch.

Best of all, this whole meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding kids or just craving a nostalgic dinner with a grown-up twist, these sloppy Joes are sure to hit the spot.

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Ingredients

4 tablespoon BBQ SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon CornstarchView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chipotle PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground PorkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Coleslaw MixView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Buttermilk Ranch DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the red onion. In a small bowl, combine the sliced onion with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside to quick-pickle.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, chicken stock concentrate, chipotle powder and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into the skillet with the pork. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens and caramelizes, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, buttermilk ranch dressing and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Split the brioche buns and toast them lightly if desired. Spoon the pork mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with the pickled onions and a generous portion of the chipotle ranch slaw. Close the buns and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute. Just cook it the same way.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and check that your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the slaw in advance?

Absolutely. The slaw can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Toss again before serving.