Introduction
Let me share with you my go-to recipe for classic Sloppy Joes that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. This hearty, flavor-packed sandwich filling combines seasoned ground beef with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce that’s miles better than anything you’ll find in a can. What I love most about this recipe is how it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is about halfway cooked (some pink still visible), add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat if desired (I recommend leaving a little for flavor).
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Recipe Notes
For the best Sloppy Joes, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Toast your buns lightly to prevent them from getting too soggy from the filling.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- For meal prep, the filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reduce fat content, you can substitute ground turkey, but you might need to add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to maintain moisture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
- If you prefer spicier Sloppy Joes, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper or include a dash of hot sauce in the mixture.
Sloppy Joes
Classic Sloppy Joes recipe with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20 works best
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is about halfway cooked (some pink still visible), add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat if desired (I recommend leaving a little for flavor).
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns.
