Traeger Sloppy Joes: A Smoky Twist on a Classic

I’ll never forget the aroma that wafted through our kitchen every time my dad fired up the Traeger. It wasn’t always ribs or brisket; sometimes, it was something deceptively simple, yet utterly satisfying. I can still picture him meticulously shaping hamburger patties, a mischievous glint in his eye, knowing the smoky goodness he was about to unleash upon us. Those Traeger Sloppy Joes weren’t just dinner; they were a symbol of relaxed weekends, family time, and the magic that happens when smoke meets simple, honest ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yields: 6 Sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted to gluten-free with appropriate buns)

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 red sweet bell pepper, seeded, stemmed, and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried chipotle powder or 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup Traeger Texas Spicy BBQ Sauce
• 1⁄2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 lbs ground beef
• Hamburger buns, for serving

Equipment Needed

• Traeger Pellet Grill
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Mixing Bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill: When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until a fire is established (approximately 4 to 5 minutes).
2. Preheat for Smoking: Set the temperature to Smoke and preheat, with the lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures a good smoky flavor.
3. Form the Patties: Take the ground beef and form it into approximately 1/2-inch thick hamburger patties.
4. Smoke the Patties: Place the patties directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 30 minutes. This step infuses the meat with a delicious smoky flavor without fully cooking them. Remember, you want them partially cooked.
5. Remove and Set Aside: Once the patties have smoked for 30 minutes, remove them from the grill and set them aside in a bowl. Don’t worry about them being completely cooked through; they’ll finish in the sauce.
6. Increase Grill Temperature: Adjust the Traeger grill’s temperature to High.
7. Preheat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet on the grill grates. Close the lid and allow the skillet to preheat for 10 to 15 minutes. A hot skillet is essential for properly sautéing the vegetables.
8. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the oil to the preheated cast iron skillet, followed by the chopped onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until the onions become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
9. Add Aromatics and Spices: Once the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic, ancho chile powder, chipotle powder (or hot sauce), kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the spices to bloom.
10. Build the Sauce: Add the Traeger Texas Spicy BBQ Sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
11. Incorporate the Smoked Meat: Now, add the smoked ground beef patties to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Using a spatula, break up the patties into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
12. Simmer and Cook Through: Close the lid of the grill and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. The goal is to cook the ground beef completely through and allow it to be fully coated with the delicious sauce. The sauce should also thicken to a desirable consistency.
13. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the Sloppy Joe mixture. Adjust any of the ingredients to your personal preference. You might want to add more BBQ sauce for sweetness, hot sauce for heat, or a touch more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
14. Toast the Buns (Optional): If desired, toast the hamburger buns directly on the grill grates for about 1 minute per side. This adds a nice texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
15. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted (or untoasted) buns. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Smoked Paprika Boost: For an extra layer of smokiness, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the grill or stovetop before serving.
• Spice It Up: If you like a spicier kick, use a spicier BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
• Lean Ground Beef: Using a leaner ground beef (90/10) will reduce the amount of grease in the finished product. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before adding the BBQ sauce.
• Vegetable Prep: For uniform cooking, chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Traeger Sloppy Joes hot on toasted buns. They pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad.

Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the mixture for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	366 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	225 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	25.1 g	38%
Saturated Fat	9.2 g	45%
Cholesterol	102.8 mg	34%
Sodium	223 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	4.7 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	2.3 g	N/A
Protein	28.7 g	57%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes: Use gluten-free hamburger buns. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce are also gluten-free.
• Turkey Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
• Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Mexican-Inspired: Use a Mexican-style BBQ sauce and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and corn to the mixture. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of wood pellet for smoking the meat?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different wood pellets to find your favorite smoky flavor. Hickory and mesquite will provide a stronger, more intense smoke, while apple or cherry wood offer a milder, sweeter flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a Traeger grill? Can I still make this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! While the Traeger adds a unique smoky flavor, you can achieve similar results by using a smoker box on a gas grill or adding liquid smoke to the ground beef mixture.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe mixture?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced celery, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet along with the onions, carrots, and bell peppers.

Q: How do I prevent the Sloppy Joe mixture from becoming too watery?
A: Make sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef before adding the BBQ sauce. You can also simmer the mixture for a longer period of time to allow the sauce to thicken.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, Sloppy Joe mixture freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re armed with this delicious recipe, it’s time to fire up your Traeger and experience the smoky goodness of these Sloppy Joes for yourself! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and let them know how much you enjoyed the process. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the grill, share laughter, and create lasting memories. So, go ahead, get grilling, and enjoy!