Pin It 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.
Sloppy Joes always take me back to childhood weeknights, when my family would gather around the table for this deliciously messy meal. It's still a reliable favorite in my house, enjoyed by both kids and adults for its hearty flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) (80/20 preferred)
- 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 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add 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 8–10 minutes.
- Toast buns:
- While mixture simmers toast hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven buttered if desired.
- Assemble & serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
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Making Sloppy Joes gave us plenty of laughs as we tried to see who could eat theirs the neatest. These messy sandwiches always spark fun family moments each time I prepare them for dinner.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 430 calories 18 g fat 40 g carbohydrates and 25 g protein making it a satisfying main dish.
Notes & Variations
For more flavor add sliced pickles or shredded cheese as toppings. Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well for a lighter twist.
Helpful Tools
A large skillet a wooden spoon or spatula a knife and cutting board and measuring cups will help you prepare this dish easily.
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This easy Sloppy Joes recipe brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table. Enjoy every savory bite with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cuts of beef work best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is preferred for optimal flavor and juiciness.
- → Can I use other meats besides beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives are great substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → How should I toast the buns for best results?
Lightly butter the bun halves and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crispy.
- → What spices give the sauce its distinctive flavor?
Chili powder, smoked paprika, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce create a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.
- → Can leftover filling be stored safely?
Yes, refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and quality.
- → Are there common allergens in the ingredients?
The dish contains wheat from buns and soy from Worcestershire sauce; always check labels for individual allergy concerns.