Smoky Chili Joes

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these irresistible Smoky Chili Joes, a bold and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joes. Packed with smoky paprika, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sweet brown sugar, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. The hearty filling—made with seasoned ground beef, tender onions, and bell peppers—simmers in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a mouthwatering mixture that’s perfect for piling onto toasted hamburger buns. Customize with toppings like shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or chopped scallions for an extra burst of flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 buns hamburger buns
• 0 optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped scallions

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the beef and vegetables, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and light brown sugar. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper. Lower the heat to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 8

Toast the hamburger buns lightly, if desired.

Step 9

Spoon the smoky chili mixture onto the buns, dividing it evenly.

Step 10

Top with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or chopped scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1570.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2280.6

Total Fat 143.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 331.1mg	0%
Sodium 4863.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 172.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 100.9g	0%
Total Sugars 51.4g
Protein 177.3g	0%

Vitamin D 6IU	0%
Calcium 564.8mg	0%
Iron 24.4mg	0%
Potassium 3252.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 25.7%