Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes recipe
This post with an Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes recipe may contain affiliate links. That means I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the appropriate links. You can learn more in my Disclosure Policy. As always, thank you for your support.
There’s nothing like sharing a plate of Ethiopian food with friends and family. It’s great in Ethiopia; it’s great in the States. It’s a wonderful, memorable experience. And boy, is it tasty.
We’ve successfully dabbled in making our own Ethiopian cuisine. Our favorite Ethiopian-inspired dish to make at home is a modified version of Dinich Wot – a potato stew – that we call Ethiopian Sloppy Joes. We have them whenever we get a hankerin’ for those wonderful Ethiopian flavors, but can’t make it to a local Ethiopian restaurant. They’re a go-to meal for special celebrations like birthdays, Ethiopian Christmas, and Ethiopian New Year.
Historically, we’ve served these Ethiopian Sloppy Joes on hamburger buns, just like you would serve traditional Sloppy Joes. Things changed the last time we had them, though. We realized that serving them on sourdough bread would be a much better flavor, since injera is best-described as a sort of sourdough pancake. It was pretty amazing.
Here’s how we make our Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes. You’re welcome to try them with buns or sourdough. Or go out and buy yourself some injera from a local Ethiopian restaurant. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, this Ethiopian-style cabbage and carrots recipe is a great side!
How to make Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
2 large onions
6 potatoes
1 lb. ground beef
2 Tbs. oil
2 C. tomato sauce
2 Tbs. butter
2 cloves garlic (we usually just use pre-minced garlic)
1-3 t. cayenne pepper (to taste)
1-3 t. berbere* (to taste) – OPTIONAL
2 t salt
4 C water
Hamburger buns or sourdough bread
Utensils
- Large heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven-type pot
- Food processor (optional)
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Large spoon
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Garlic press (if not using minced garlic)
How to make Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes
- Brown ground beef. Drain. Set aside
- Peel and puree onions in food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, mince the onions very fine.
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2″ cubes.
- Heat oil in large skillet and add onions. Cook 3-5 minute. Stir occasionally until onion is slightly brown.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, water, and potatoes. Mix well.
- Add ginger, berbere, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Add ground beef. Mix well and cover.
- Cooking low and slow is the key. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir every 3-5 minutes.. Sauce will thicken as the potatoes cook. If potatoes start to stick to the bottom, add 1/2 C. water and turn down the heat.
- Add butter during last few minutes of cooking. Stir.
- Sloppy Joes are ready when potatoes are cooked through and soft.
- Serve on choice of bread.
endnotes
* Berbere is a mix of peppers and other spices. It’s ‘s a key ingredient in a lot of Ethiopian and Eritrean food. You can buy some from Raw Spice Bar. We’ve also discovered that the spice blend in Fire & Flavor’s chicken rub has something in it that reminds us of berbere and might be an adequate substitute if you don’t want to commit to buying berbere itself.
Latest posts by Matt Todd (see all)
- Ethiopian-inspired Sloppy Joes recipe - January 5, 2025
- The Hoosiers are in the College Football Playoffs? I’m ready for it! - December 20, 2024
- Recapping the NASA Social Europa Clipper launch event - October 18, 2024
