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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
