Pin 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 made Sloppy Joes for my family on a chilly evening when we wanted something easy yet satisfying. The aroma filled our kitchen and made everyone excited for dinner.
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: for toasting buns (optional)
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 the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- 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 the buns:
- While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Assemble and serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Pin Sloppy Joes have always been a hit at our family table, especially during game nights when everyone gathers in the kitchen for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or crisp pickles for a complete comfort food meal.
Variations
Try with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian take. Top with shredded cheese or sliced pickles for extra flavor.
Make Ahead & Storage
Prepare the filling ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat gently and serve fresh on toasted buns whenever you need a quick meal.
Pin Enjoy these Sloppy Joes hot from the skillet with friends and family for a fun, delicious dinner everyone will love.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of ground beef is best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best to provide flavor and moisture.
- → Can I substitute other meats in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based alternatives can be used to customize the flavors and accommodate dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
Lightly toasting the buns, optionally with some butter, creates a barrier that helps keep them from soaking up excess sauce.
- → What spices contribute to the flavor profile?
Chili powder, smoked paprika, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce blend together to give a sweet, tangy, and mildly smoky taste.
- → Can leftovers be stored for later use?
Yes, the filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.