Experience the bold, zesty flavor of Buffalo wings in a comforting, family-friendly meal: Buffalo Sloppy Joes! This recipe transforms a classic favorite into an exciting culinary adventure, perfect for anyone who loves a good kick of heat and tangy goodness. Forget the messy wings and sticky fingers; these Sloppy Joes deliver all the iconic taste of your favorite buffalo dish, making dinner both easy and incredibly satisfying.
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Are you a devoted fan of buffalo chicken? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you're in for a treat! While you're here, make sure to explore some of our other top-rated buffalo-inspired dishes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Don't miss out on our creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, the ultimate comfort food fusion of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, or a refreshing and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad. Each offers a unique way to enjoy that irresistible buffalo flavor, proving its versatility beyond just wings.
The Undeniable Charm of Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes hold a special place in the hearts of many, a beloved classic that evokes nostalgia and pure comfort. It's one of those dishes that almost everyone secretly adores, even if they're a little shy to admit their love for its humble, unpretentious nature. Perhaps it's because they're far from the refined, gourmet meals often showcased, but good thing I'm not one to shy away from simple, delicious food! I’ll happily declare my affection for Sloppy Joes. After all, when it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity, speed, and flavor are the ultimate trifecta, and Sloppy Joes deliver every time.
What makes a Sloppy Joe truly exceptional? It’s the perfect blend of savory meat in a rich, tangy sauce, all piled high on a soft, toasted bun. It’s a meal that requires no silverware and little formality, making it ideal for casual family dinners, game nights, or quick weeknight solutions. The joy of a Sloppy Joe lies in its delightful messiness, a sign of its juicy, saucy goodness. And while the traditional version is fantastic, there's always room for a creative twist, especially when it involves another universally loved flavor: Buffalo.
A Fiery Fusion: Buffalo Meets Sloppy Joe
My love for classic Buffalo wings runs deep. The perfect balance of spicy heat, tangy vinegar, and buttery richness is simply irresistible. So, when the idea struck to combine the iconic flavors of Buffalo wings with the beloved, comforting structure of a Sloppy Joe, I knew it was a recipe I had to try. This isn't my first venture into reinventing the Sloppy Joe – inspired by culinary trailblazers like Rachael Ray, I've explored various delightful variations, and this one, I must say, is another spectacular winner! It begs the question: can you really go wrong when you marry the zesty punch of Buffalo with the hearty satisfaction of a Sloppy Joe? I think not.
This Buffalo Sloppy Joe recipe takes everything you love about the original and infuses it with that unmistakable Buffalo tang and subtle heat. Using ground chicken makes this version feel a little lighter than traditional beef-based Sloppy Joes, allowing the bold Buffalo flavors to truly shine. The texture is perfect – saucy, robust, and utterly addictive. And for those who appreciate the complete Buffalo experience, a generous sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top adds a creamy, pungent counterpoint that is simply divine. Of course, if you have picky eaters or prefer to skip it, the blue cheese is entirely optional, making this a versatile dish for all palates.
Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Sloppy Joe
The magic of these Buffalo Sloppy Joes lies in their simplicity and the careful balance of ingredients that create a deep, complex flavor profile. It starts with quality ground chicken, browned to perfection in a large skillet. This lean protein provides an excellent base, soaking up all the delicious sauce without feeling heavy. We then build flavor by sautéing a classic mirepoix of finely chopped carrots, celery, and yellow onion. These aromatic vegetables not only add essential nutrients and a subtle sweetness but also contribute to the satisfying texture of the sloppy joe filling. Fresh garlic, of course, is indispensable, adding that pungent, savory depth that elevates any dish.
The sauce is where the Buffalo character truly comes alive. It's a harmonious blend of red wine vinegar for tang, brown sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat, and Worcestershire sauce for its unique umami depth. The star of the show is, naturally, the hot sauce – a good quality, vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank's Red Hot is crucial for that authentic Buffalo flavor. Tomato sauce provides body and richness, while chicken stock ensures the mixture remains juicy and perfectly saucy, not dry. This combination simmers together, allowing all the flavors to meld into a wonderfully cohesive and irresistible sauce that coats every strand of chicken and vegetable. The result is a vibrant, tangy, and moderately spicy filling that's incredibly addictive.
To accompany these delightful Sloppy Joes, I often turn to a creative twist on potato skins – a slightly healthier, yet equally satisfying side. These potato skins offer a creamy, comforting contrast to the spicy, robust flavor of the Sloppy Joes, making for a truly wonderful and complete weeknight dinner. (For those interested, you can find the Mashed Potato Skin Recipe here.) The combination of warm, toasted buns, savory-spicy filling, and a cool, creamy side creates a dynamic eating experience that everyone at the table will enjoy.
More Than Just a Meal: A Weeknight Solution
In our busy lives, finding dinner ideas that are both exciting and easy can be a challenge. That's where these Buffalo Sloppy Joes truly shine. They're quick enough for a busy Tuesday evening but flavorful enough to feel like a special treat. The preparation involves straightforward steps: browning the meat, sautéing the veggies, and simmering the sauce. This hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to enjoy your evening without being tethered to the stove. Furthermore, the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making grocery shopping a breeze.
These Sloppy Joes are also incredibly versatile. While serving them on toasted hamburger buns is the classic approach, don't hesitate to get creative. For a lower-carb option, serve the buffalo chicken mixture in crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes, loaded nachos, or even as a unique filling for quesadillas. The ability to customize the spice level means you can adjust it to suit everyone in your family – less hot sauce for the kids, more for the adults who crave that extra kick. This adaptability makes it a truly family-friendly meal that can satisfy diverse preferences. Next time you're searching for a meal that pleases both the younger crowd and adults alike, these Buffalo Sloppy Joes are an absolute must-try!
Explore More Sloppy Joe Delights:
- Classic Sloppy Joe Recipe
- Tropical Hula Joes
- Zesty Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe
- Flavorful Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes
Looking for More Easy Dinner Ideas?
If you're constantly on the hunt for delicious and straightforward meals that make weeknights less stressful, you've come to the right place! We specialize in creating recipes that are big on flavor but light on effort. Here are a few more family favorites that we highly recommend adding to your rotation:
- Quick BLT Ranch Chicken Wraps
- Hearty Cheesy Ranch Chicken with Potatoes
- Comforting Cabbage and Beef Bundles
- The Best Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese
- Classic Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
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Buffalo Sloppy Joes
No ratings yet
Deborah Harroun
18 minutes
10 minutes
28 minutes
8 servings
Main Dish
American
Pin
A little bit spicy and packed with flavor, these Buffalo Sloppy Joes are a great dinner idea for wing lovers!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped or grated
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ to ⅓ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s Red Hot
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 8 hamburger buns split and toasted
- 1 cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the carrot, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, combine the red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, tomato sauce, and chicken stock in a small bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Once the vegetables in the skillet are tender, pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir everything together thoroughly. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken to the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- Generously spoon the hot and flavorful Buffalo chicken mixture onto your toasted hamburger buns. For an authentic Buffalo experience, top each sloppy joe with a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from 30 Minute Meals.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can alter the counts.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1sloppy joe
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Calories: 552kcal (28%)
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Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)
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Protein: 42g (84%)
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Fat: 29g (45%)
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Saturated Fat: 13g (81%)
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Cholesterol: 155mg (52%)
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Sodium: 1081mg (47%)
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Fiber: 2g (8%)
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Sugar: 10g (11%)
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