Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes on Ciabatta Rolls
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get bored of the same old grub? Fancy a bit of Italy but also craving a good old sloppy Joe? Let's get cracking then! These Italian Sloppy Joes are a flavour explosion.
Honestly, they’re a total game changer.
Brief Overview
This dish, a playful take on Italian American fusion food , is super easy to make. We're talking about 45 minutes max, from start to finish.
This best sloppy joe recipe will give you around 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner, you know?
Main Benefits
The rich tomato sauce is packed with antioxidants. It makes it almost healthy, right? This is proper Italian comfort food , perfect for a casual get-together or even a cheeky mid-week treat.
What makes these sausage sloppy joes so special? That little splash of red wine, of course!
Ready to dive in?
What Makes These Italian Sloppy Joes So Cracking?
Okay, so I used to think sloppy Joes were a bit…meh. You know? That canned sauce stuff. But then, one day, I had this craving for Italian sausage recipes .
BAM! An idea struck me. Why not combine the two?
This recipe is all about using proper ingredients. Think good quality Italian sausage recipes , a decent glug of red wine, and loads of fresh herbs. None of that canned nonsense here.
Let's Talk About the Ingredients
Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs! You will need the following: Olive oil, a chopped onion, and some minced garlic to begin building the foundation.
Mild or hot Italian sausage, your choice, remember to remove the casing. Some dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dry red wine, and tomato paste.
Throw in a teaspoon of granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Make sure to get some ciabatta rolls, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with this recipe. Don't be shy with the herbs. This recipe is also incredibly versatile.
It’s proper easy Italian dinner magic, right there on your plate, or should I say, on your ciabatta roll recipes !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle these Italian sloppy joes ? Ace! First things first, gotta gather our gear. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you've probably already got kicking about.
Here's what you'll need to create this Italian comfort food masterpiece.
Main Ingredients for Our Sausage Sloppy Joes
Okay, so here is a list with all of the precise measurements and quality indicators of our ingredients for these sausage sloppy joes :
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Nothing fancy, just your standard olive oil will do.
- Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup). Go for a yellow onion. It's the workhorse of the onion world.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, you know? That's the key to unlocking that flavour.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) , casings removed. Mild or hot your call, love! But good quality sausage makes a massive difference! This is the foundation of all Italian sausage recipes !
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For that zing .
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) .
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) .
- Dry Red Wine: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . A cheeky splash of Chianti is lush! We're not trying to get sloshed, only a bit of flavour to the red wine tomato sauce .
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Balances out the acid.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obvs.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped.
- Ciabatta Rolls: 6 . For serving. Look for ones that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Check out these Ciabatta roll recipes!
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , softened. Because butter makes everything better.
- Optional Toppings: Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, or basil leaves. Get creative!
Essential Spice Combinations for an Easy Italian Dinner
Okay, let's chat seasoning. Oregano and basil are the backbone, giving that classic Italian American fusion food vibe. Red pepper flakes? That's your shout! Adds a bit of fire if you are into it!.
Equipment Needed: Simple Tools for a Bangin' Result
Right, tools of the trade. Nothing mental, promise!
- A large skillet or Dutch oven. For all that saucy goodness.
- A wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring like a legend.
That's it! No need for fancy gadgets here. We're aiming for tasty, not complicated.
Honestly, I remember the first time I tried making these, I forgot the sugar. The sauce was way too acidic! Don't be like me, folks.
That little teaspoon makes all the difference in making this best sloppy joe recipe !
Now, lets make a sloppy joe with a twist !
Let's Get Saucy: Cooking Up Italian Sloppy Joes!
Oh my gosh, are you in for a treat! Forget boring dinners. Let's talk about the best sloppy joe recipe this side of the Atlantic: Italian Sloppy Joes! This is Italian American fusion food at its finest, and trust me, it's a total crowd pleaser.
You know, I first made these on a whim when I was trying to use up some leftover Italian sausage .
The result? An instant family favourite! The secret? A slow simmered red wine tomato sauce .
Prep Like a Pro for Italian Sausage Recipes
First things first: the mise en place . Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Get your sausage out of its casing. Honestly, this is the key to smooth cooking.
Time saving tip: Chop the onion and garlic while the pan is heating up. Then, it's ready to go!
step-by-step: Italian Sloppy Joes Goodness
Time to get cooking!
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté 1 cup chopped onion until softened. About 5 minutes .
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic; cook 1 minute , until fragrant.
- Brown 450g Italian sausage, breaking it up. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Pour in 794g crushed tomatoes, 425g tomato sauce, 60 ml red wine, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Simmer for at least 20 minutes , or up to 30 minutes , until thickened.
- Spoon onto toasted ciabatta rolls and sprinkle with parsley!
Pro-Tips for Epic Sausage Sloppy Joes
Here's the skinny on making the best Italian sloppy Joes. The trick to a perfect sauce is patience. Don't rush the simmer! As well as this, dont be afraid to change up the herbs and spices to your taste; I love adding a bay leaf for extra depth.
Also, toast those buns! It keeps them from getting soggy. Nobody likes a soggy bun.
- Secret weapon: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the flavour.
- Common mistake: Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning. Seasoning it well makes all the difference.
- make-ahead magic: The sauce freezes beautifully! Hello, easy weeknight dinner.
So there you have it! Sloppy joe variations are endless, but I reckon this Italian comfort food will become a staple.
Serve it with a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy your easy Italian dinner !
Recipe Notes for the Best Sloppy Joe Recipe EVER!
Right then, let's dive into some extra bits about these italian sloppy joes . This is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, innit? I've made these Sausage Sloppy Joes countless times, tweaking it here and there.
Honestly, the first time I tried it, I nearly burnt the garlic. Keep a close eye on it, yeah? Don't let it go brown - burnt garlic is rank !
Serving Suggestions
Fancy schmancy, eh? For plating, pile that delicious filling high on the Ciabatta roll recipes . A sprinkle of parsley adds a nice touch.
Serve it with a simple side salad. Think rocket with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crisp pint, or a glass of your left over red wine from the sauce, Bellissimo .
It really does make it feel like an easy Italian dinner .
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the Italian sausage recipes filling in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. It will last up to 3 months . Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the hob, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? For a lighter version, use turkey sausage. It works a treat! Want to make it veggie? Use a plant based mince, and throw in some extra veggies like peppers.
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, add a handful of chopped butternut squash to the sauce. It adds a lovely sweetness. These sloppy joe variations are endless, really! You can also serve on smaller bread rolls for a great party snack!
Nutrition Basics
Let's be real, this isn't a salad! Each serving packs a decent amount of protein from the sausage. This will help to keep you full.
It's also got carbohydrates for energy. There are around 550 calories a serving. It is an estimate, mind. Red wine tomato sauce is the base of the flavour, which is full of vitamins and minerals.
Remember, everything in moderation!
So, there you have it! My tips and tricks to make these Italian American fusion food Italian sloppy joes a winner.
Now go on, get cooking. You will see that this Sloppy Joe with a twist are simple, delicious, and are going to be a great success.
You got this, chum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Italian Sloppy Joes ahead of time? I'm planning a potluck and want to be organized!
Absolutely! The Italian sloppy joe filling actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together. Just prepare the sauce according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and spoon it onto toasted ciabatta rolls. Easy peasy!
I'm not a big fan of sausage. Can I substitute something else in these italian sloppy joes?
Sure thing, mate! If sausage isn't your cup of tea, you can easily swap it out for ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to brown it properly before adding the other ingredients.
You could even use shredded chicken or leftover meatballs chopped up for a different texture and flavour profile.
My kids are a bit picky. Any tips for making these Italian sloppy joes more kid-friendly?
No worries, we've all been there! Try dicing the onions very finely so they practically disappear into the sauce. You can also reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to keep it mild. A touch of grated mozzarella or provolone cheese melted on top can also make them more appealing to younger palates.
Serve them open faced on the ciabatta for easier handling.
How do I store leftover Italian sloppy joes, and how long will they last?
Leftover sloppy joe filling should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
It is not recommended to freeze the assembled sloppy joes, but the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
I'm watching my waistline. Are there any ways to make these Italian sloppy joes healthier?
You bet! Use lean ground turkey sausage instead of regular Italian sausage to reduce the fat content. Load up on veggies by adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce. Serve the sloppy joes on whole wheat ciabatta rolls or even over a bed of greens instead of bread for a lower carb option.
You can also reduce the amount of added sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Can I use different herbs for the Italian sloppy joes, or are oregano and basil essential?
While oregano and basil give it that classic Italian flavor, feel free to experiment! Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning blend would work well. Fresh herbs always pack a bigger punch than dried ones, so if you have them on hand, toss them in towards the end of cooking.
Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ultimately, it's your dish, so make it your own!
Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes On Ciabatta Rolls
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
