MEATBALLS - SLOPPY JOE STYLE

Jason Glover

Servings

6

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Made from scratch meatballs simmered in an authentic sloppy joe sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. These  Sloppy Joe Style Meatballs are great on a sub roll or over a bed of rice!

MEATBALLS - SLOPPY JOE STYLE

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs ground venison or lean meat of your choice (beef or bison both work well)

  • 1 large egg

  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs

  • ⅓ cup milk

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided

  • 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, divided 

  • 1 ¼ tsp Kosher salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided 

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 

  • 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

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Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, egg, panko, milk, ¼ cup finely chopped onion, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt and pepper. Using a scoop or spoon, scoop the mixture, about 2 tbsp at a time, and roll into balls. (Makes around 33.) Arrange on a plate.
  2. Preheat smoker to 650°F or oven to broil.
  3. Arrange the meatballs in a large pot in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until seared on all sides, about 7-9 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and discard the grease.
  4. Return the pot to medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil, bell pepper, garlic, and remaining onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and remaining 1 tbsp Worcestershire. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return to the meatballs to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and the meatballs are cooked through, about 4-6 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Return the pot to the smoker or broiler for about 2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve however you like: As is, as a slider, a sub, over rice, etc.