I’ve always loved the rich, tangy flavor of Manwich, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying it straight from the box. But what if you could recreate that same deliciousness at home? With this copycat recipe, you can bring the classic taste of Manwich to your kitchen, using simple ingredients you probably already have.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this homemade version is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and allows you to customize the spices to suit your taste. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your sauce gives you that extra peace of mind.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
To whip up the perfect Manwich copycat, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large Skillet or Saucepan: Ideal for browning the ground beef and simmering the rich sauce.
- Cutting Board: Essential for chopping onions, green bell peppers, and garlic.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise and safe chopping of all ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to balancing the flavors in the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture without scratching your cookware.
- Can Opener: Necessary for opening canned tomato sauce and other preserved ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls: Handy for prepping and organizing your ingredients before cooking.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process and help you create a delicious Manwich that rivals the original.
Instructions
Creating this Manwich copycat recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve that rich, tangy flavor you love.
Prep
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice one medium onion and one green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Mince three cloves of garlic.
- Measure the Ingredients: Gather 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Prepare the Equipment: Ensure your large skillet is ready and heat it over medium-high heat. Have your measuring cups, spoons, and wooden spoon handy.
Cook
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the heated skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with the wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld together.
Assemble
- Prepare the Buns: While the sauce is simmering, lightly toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the Manwich mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve your homemade Manwich sandwiches hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves prepping in advance, I find that making parts of the Manwich copycat recipe ahead of time can save you hours on busy days. Here’s how you can prepare and store your Manwich for maximum convenience and flavor.
Preparing the Sauce Ahead
- Cook the Sauce Early
Prepare the Manwich sauce following the recipe up to the simmering stage. Once the flavors have melded, allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Store in Airtight Containers
Transfer the cooled sauce to airtight containers or mason jars. Label them with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate or Freeze
- Refrigerate: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Preparing Beef and Vegetable Mixture
- Cook and Cool
Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as per the recipe. Combine with the sauce and let the mixture cool completely.
- Portion and Store
Divide the mixture into meal-sized portions and place them in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate or Freeze
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Assembling Sandwich Components
- Toast Buns in Advance
Lightly toast the hamburger buns and let them cool. Store them in a paper bag at room temperature to maintain their texture.
- Prepare Toppings
Chop any additional toppings like pickles, onions, or cheese. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheating and Assembling
- Reheat the Sauce or Beef Mixture
- Refrigerated: Warm the sauce or beef mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
- Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above.
- Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the reheated mixture on the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Freezing Fully Assembled Sandwiches
- Assemble the Sandwiches
Build the sandwiches with the beef mixture and desired toppings, but omit any fresh vegetables to prevent sogginess.
- Wrap Individually
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in Freezer Bags
Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
- Freeze for Up to 2 Months
When ready to eat, thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy delicious homemade Manwich anytime with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a gathering, having these components ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
I love elevating a classic Manwich by pairing it with a variety of delicious sides and toppings. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this rich, tangy delight:
Classic Sandwiches
- Toasted Buns: Lightly toast your hamburger buns to add a crunchy texture that complements the savory sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Melt a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the hot Manwich for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Toppings: Add crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, and tangy red onions to balance the richness of the sauce.
Creative Variations
- Manwich Sliders: Use mini buns to create bite-sized sliders, perfect for parties or appetizers.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Spoon the Manwich mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until tender for a colorful, hearty meal.
- Loaded Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with Manwich, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until bubbly and serve with jalapeños and sour cream.
Perfect Sides
- Crispy Fries: Whether you prefer shoestring, sweet potato, or seasoned fries, they make a fantastic accompaniment.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory Manwich.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the robust flavors of the sauce.
Beverage Pairings
- Classic Sodas: A cold cola or root beer works wonderfully to balance the meal.
- Craft Beers: For those who enjoy a brew, a hoppy IPA or a smooth lager enhances the hearty flavors.
- Refreshing Iced Tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea offers a light and refreshing contrast.
Leftover Wonders
- Manwich Pizza: Spread the leftover sauce over pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a unique twist.
- Rice Bowls: Serve the Manwich over steamed rice with a sprinkle of green onions for a satisfying bowl meal.
- Taco Toppings: Use the sauce as a filling for tacos, adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the Manwich experience but also offer versatility to suit any occasion or preference. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these ideas will make your homemade Manwich a standout favorite.
Conclusion
Making my own Manwich has been a game changer for family dinners. It’s incredible how simple ingredients can bring such a familiar and comforting taste to the table.
I love having the flexibility to tweak the spices to match our favorite flavors. Plus knowing exactly what’s in the sauce gives me peace of mind.
Trying out this copycat recipe has not only saved time but also become a favorite in our home. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do and make it a staple in your kitchen.
Happy cooking!
