These Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe’s are extra messy, extra tasty, and pack a bold punch of spicy flavor.

Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe's

I’ve been a bit obsessed with beer lately. My local booze shop started selling single bottles of various craft, IPAs, stouts, ales, and small-batch beer from all over the world. It’s overwhelming and glorious at the same time.

I get that buying single bottles of beer isn’t what you would call economical, but it’s a great way to taste a variety of different blends, flavors, and styles without committing to a six pack.

Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe's

What if you don’t like said beer? Well, too bad, because there’s 5 more in the fridge, so get to sippin’!

I refuse to waste good booze and good food, which is why I’ve taken to buying single bottles. If I find something I really like, I go back and pick up a six pack. If I don’t like a particular selection, I don’t buy it again. In the end, it’s saving me money and preventing waste.

Not only do I enjoy kicking back a few cold ones, I also love adding my current seasonal favorite to whatever recipe I’m whipping up in the kitchen.

Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe's

The other day I found myself stirring a big pot a sloppy joe mix, so I went ahead and added a few generous pours of pale ale to the mixture. The flavor is unbeatable!

This sloppy joe recipe is adapted from my grandmother’s original recipe that she still makes to this very day. It’s super simple to make and most of the ingredients can be found in your fridge and pantry. Like always, I tweaked the recipe to put my own spin on it.

Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe's

The chipotle peppers add a combination of smoky flavor with a splash of spice. I added a sprinkle of smoked paprika (probably my favorite spice of all) to bring out the smokiness of the chipotle and create a nice layer of bold flavor. The chipotle and pale ale mingle beautifully together.

This recipe is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight or can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. If you’re looking for a great recipe to make for your summer gatherings, this is it. You can make it ahead and reheat it in the slow cooker for your guests to serve themselves.

Print Recipe

Chipotle Pale Ale Sloppy Joe's

Thick, meaty sloppy joe’s with a hint spice and bold pale ale flavor.

Yield: 8 servings

Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 17 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup pale ale
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 chipotle in adobo (or 1 tablespoon chipotle paste), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • potato rolls for serving

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. As the beef browns, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat. 
  2. Add the onion, green pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan with the beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. 
  3. Add the pale ale to the pan and allow it to reduce slightly, about 2 minutes. 
  4. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the remaining ingredients (minus the potato rolls). Cover the pan and allow the mixture to simmer for about an 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent the mixture from burning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve on potato rolls.  
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