Spicy Cocoa Sloppy Joes

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these Spicy Cocoa Sloppy Joes—a bold and unexpected twist on the classic comfort food! This recipe combines the richness of unsweetened cocoa powder with the warmth of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, creating a savory-sweet balance with just the right amount of heat. Ground beef is simmered with tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and a touch of brown sugar, while Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar add a tangy depth. Perfectly nestled in toasted hamburger buns, these sloppy joes are ready in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy nights. Whether you're craving something comforting or looking to surprise your taste buds, these cocoa-kissed sloppy joes are sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 medium, diced Onion
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1.5 teaspoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 4 pieces Hamburger buns

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and become translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste until well combined with the beef mixture.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 5

Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the beef mixture evenly.

Step 7

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or spice, depending on your preference.

Step 8

Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired. Spoon the spicy cocoa sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your unique, bold-flavored Spicy Cocoa Sloppy Joes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1175.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1640.0

Total Fat 101.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 2796.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 109.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 64.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.1g
Protein 131.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 275.3mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 1948.1mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 23.3%