Name: Cajun Sloppy Joes
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: American, Creole & Cajun, US & Canada
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped fine; Salt and pepper; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef; 1 cup tomato puree; 1/4 cup ketchup; 4 hamburger buns

Why This Recipe Works

Blooming the Cajun seasoning with the onions enhanced its bold flavor, while a dash of cayenne pepper added an additional layer of heat to our Cajun Sloppy Joes. A combination of tomato puree and ketchup provided a traditional base for this untraditional variation.

Instructions

Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and ½ teaspoon salt, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning and cayenne and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add meat and cook, breaking up pieces with spoon, until just pink, about 3 minutes.

Stir in tomato puree, ketchup, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until sauce is slightly thicker than ketchup, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon meat onto hamburger buns and serve.