Embark on a culinary journey to Rhode Island with this authentic Dynamites Recipe! This beloved local specialty offers a savory and spicy meal that your family will undoubtedly adore. Aptly named for its vibrant and fiery ingredients, Dynamite sauce is incredibly versatile – serve it traditionally in soft torpedo rolls, spoon it generously over your favorite pasta, or even offer it as a robust dip with crispy tortilla chips. This recipe has earned a permanent spot in our family’s meal rotation, and we’re confident it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home too!
What are Rhode Island Dynamites?
If you’re not from the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island, then the concept of “Dynamites” might be entirely new to you. Even as a native of “Little Rhody,” I only discovered these incredible sandwiches a few years ago! They are particularly popular in the city of Woonsocket, nestled in the northern part of our state. For those of us living in the southern regions, a drive to Woonsocket can feel like a significant journey, leading to this delightful dish being a well-kept secret for many.
Often affectionately referred to as “Torpedoes” due to the shape of the rolls they’re typically served in, these hearty, spicy sandwiches share a comforting resemblance to classic Sloppy Joes. However, Dynamites introduce an unforgettable fiery twist that sets them apart. The true magic lies within the sauce: a rich, tomato-based ground beef mixture that gets its signature “kick” from an infusion of red pepper flakes, finely chopped onions, and a colorful medley of green and red bell peppers. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting, promising a unique culinary experience.
SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR DYNAMITES TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
The Versatility of Dynamite Sauce
Across Rhode Island, everyone proudly claims to make the “best” Dynamite sandwiches, each family having their cherished secret. While torpedo rolls are the traditional vessel, my personal absolute favorite way to savor this Dynamite recipe is spooned generously over a mound of fresh, al dente pasta. The robust, spicy sauce clings beautifully to every strand, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.
One of the many reasons this recipe has become a staple in our home is its incredible versatility and ease of scalability. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your immediate family or catering to a large gathering, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your needs. It’s an excellent choice for tailgating parties, freezes exceptionally well for future meals, and consistently delivers an amazing flavor profile. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser and has quickly become one of Kurt’s most requested dishes.
Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Dynamites
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable batch of Dynamites. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of fresh vegetables, lean ground beef, and a blend of aromatic spices that come together to form an intensely flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightfully spicy concoction:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing your vegetables, contributing to a rich flavor base.
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 90% lean for a hearty yet less greasy sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Green Bell Peppers: Provides a classic savory depth and earthy notes.
- Onions, Chopped: The aromatic foundation for any great sauce, bringing natural sweetness when cooked down.
- Garlic, Minced: Crucial for its pungent, savory flavor that complements the beef and tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the body of the sauce, offering a smooth, rich tomato flavor.
- Canned Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Diced: Adds a smoky depth and chunky texture, elevating the overall taste.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and intensifies its richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami, adding a complex savory depth that’s hard to pinpoint but impossible to miss.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that gives the sauce a traditional, aromatic touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The star of the “dynamite” kick, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference.
For serving, you’ll want to have either a package of classic torpedo rolls (small, soft hoagie-style rolls) or a pound of your favorite pasta ready to go. Remember, the exact amounts for each ingredient are detailed in the full recipe card below for easy reference and scaling!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Dynamites Recipe
Creating this flavorful Dynamite sauce is a straightforward process, largely hands-off once it’s simmering in the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to bring this Rhode Island favorite to your table:
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by washing your peppers thoroughly. Carefully core and seed both the red and green bell peppers. For an interesting texture, slice some of the peppers into longer strips and chop others into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This variety adds visual appeal and different bites of texture to the sauce. Next, finely chop your onions and mince your garlic cloves. Having all your vegetables prepped beforehand will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large, sturdy skillet, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the lean ground beef. Cook the beef, using a spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, leaving any excess grease behind in the skillet. Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting for now.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Return the skillet (with the reserved grease, if any) to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the prepared peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crispness, typically about 5-7 minutes. Once softened, transfer these fragrant vegetables to the slow cooker with the slotted spoon, joining the browned ground beef.
- Combine All Ingredients: Now, add the remaining sauce ingredients directly into the slow cooker. This includes both cans of tomato sauce, the diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and the remaining red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a cohesive, rich sauce.
- Slow Cook and Serve: Place the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook the Dynamite sauce on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. This slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and deepen. Once cooked, your versatile Dynamite sauce is ready to be served. Spoon it into warm torpedo rolls for a classic sandwich experience, drizzle it over freshly cooked pasta for a hearty Italian-American twist, or present it as a spicy, savory dip alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
Expert Tips and Variations for Your Dynamites Recipe
This Dynamites recipe is fantastic as is, but a few simple adjustments can tailor it even more to your taste or cooking style. Here are some pro tips and variations to consider:
- Dutch Oven Method: While the slow cooker is ideal for a hands-off approach, this recipe can absolutely be made in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in the Dutch oven. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking. This method offers a slightly more robust, stovetop-cooked flavor.
- Meat Substitutions: While lean ground beef is traditional and highly recommended for its classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground pork can add a richer, slightly sweeter profile, while ground turkey offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing much flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan version, consider using plant-based ground crumbles, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Amplify the Spice: If you’re a true heat seeker, don’t hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes in the recipe. For an even bolder kick, serve extra red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or even thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers on the side. This allows each person to customize their spice level.
- Cheese, Please!: For an extra layer of indulgence, consider topping your Dynamite sandwiches with a slice of melted provolone or cheddar cheese. Or, if serving over pasta, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese is highly encouraged.
- Make-Ahead Perfection: Dynamite sauce is an excellent meal prep option. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare a large batch, and you’ll have delicious meals ready for busy weeknights.
Storing Your Leftover Dynamite Sauce
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade Dynamites for days to come. Here’s how to keep your leftover sauce fresh:
First, allow the Dynamites sauce to cool down completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through. If the sauce seems a little thick upon reheating, a splash of water or broth can help achieve your desired consistency.
Can You Freeze This Dynamites Recipe?
Absolutely! This savory Dynamite sauce freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping and batch cooking. Freezing allows you to extend the shelf life of your sauce significantly, ensuring you always have a quick and delicious meal option on hand.
Once the sauce has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftover Dynamite sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat to freeze, which saves space. The sauce can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising its flavor or texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Dynamites, you have a couple of reheating options. You can reheat it directly from frozen in a skillet over medium-low heat, though you might need to add a small amount of water or broth to help loosen it up and prevent sticking as it thaws. Alternatively, for best results, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it as directed above. This gradual thawing helps maintain the sauce’s texture and prevents it from becoming watery.
More Hearty & Comforting Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the robust flavors and comforting warmth of this Dynamites Recipe, you’re sure to appreciate these other family-friendly favorites from our collection. Each offers a unique spin on classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion:
- Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes: The ultimate easy sandwich meal for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious with minimal fuss.
- Aloha Sloppy Sliders: A fantastic and fun way to feed a crowd! These sweet and savory sliders are perfect for family gatherings, game day parties, or any casual get-together.
- Classic Meat Sauce: A timeless recipe for a rich and flavorful meat sauce, ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta shapes or layering into lasagna.
Lynne Feifer
Dynamites Recipe
Dinners
American
15 minutes
4 hours 20 minutes
4 hours 35 minutes
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
- 1 red pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 3 green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (one standard can)
- 14.5 ounces diced fire roasted tomatoes (one standard can)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (one small can)
- 6 ounces tomato paste (one small can)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Can be omitted or increased according to taste.)
For Serving:
- 8 torpedo rolls (small hoagie-style rolls)
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
Instructions
-
Core, seed, and slice the red and green peppers. For varied texture, leave some slices longer and chop others into smaller pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic thoroughly.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, approximately 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker, leaving any rendered grease in the pan. Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
-
Add the prepared peppers, onion, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet (with the remaining grease). Sauté until the vegetables are somewhat soft, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer these sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
-
Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker: both cans of tomato sauce (15 oz and 8 oz), the diced fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz), tomato paste (6 oz), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt (1 teaspoon). Mix until all ingredients are completely combined and the sauce is uniform.
-
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once ready, serve the savory meat filling in torpedo rolls, over your favorite pasta, or as a flavorful dip with chips.
Notes
- This recipe is also adaptable for a Dutch oven. Cook all ingredients over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded.
- For those who prefer a spicier rendition, offer additional red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh jalapeños on the side for individual customization.
- The nutritional information provided has been calculated based on serving the Dynamites as sandwiches. Values may vary if served over pasta or as a dip.
Nutrition Information
|
Calories: 298 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 19 g
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Protein: 26 g
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Fat: 14 g
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Saturated Fat: 5 g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g
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Trans Fat: 1 g
|
Cholesterol: 74 mg
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Sodium: 1136 mg
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Potassium: 1023 mg
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Fiber: 4 g
|
Sugar: 10 g
|
Vitamin A: 1547 IU
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Vitamin C: 69 mg
|
Calcium: 79 mg
|
Iron: 5 mg
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