Save A classic American comfort food featuring savory ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. Perfect for a nostalgic, budget-friendly family dinner.
I first tasted homemade sloppy joes on a rainy afternoon, and the warm, hearty sandwiches became a staple for my family ever since.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g), 80/20 preferred for flavor
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Yellow mustard: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Hamburger buns: 4, split and lightly toasted
- Butter (optional): For toasting buns
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Toast buns:
- While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings back memories of messy but joyful weeknight dinners with my kids, where we all tried not to let the filling spill out with every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair sloppy joes with classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or pickles for an easy complete meal.
Storage & Leftovers
Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Save Serve your sloppy joes hot and fresh for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy every deliciously messy bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?
Cook the ground beef over medium heat until just browned, then drain excess fat carefully to retain moisture. Simmering in the tomato sauce also helps keep it juicy.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can increase the heat while keeping the balance of flavors intact.
- → What are good substitutions for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well and can be cooked using the same method for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → How should I toast the buns for best results?
Lightly butter the buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden brown to add warmth and texture that complements the filling.
- → Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Yes, store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.