A classic American sandwich featuring a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet ground beef filling served on a soft, toasted hamburger bun. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering bold flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly: A nostalgic favorite loved by both kids and adults.
- Flavor-Packed: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients found in any kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning and add your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Stir occasionally.
- Toast the Buns: While the meat simmers, butter and toast the hamburger buns in a skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Top with cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat as a substitute.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked meat mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made a day in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
2. What type of buns work best?
Soft hamburger buns are traditional, but brioche or toasted ciabatta rolls also work well.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
5. What sides go well with Sloppy Joes?
French fries, coleslaw, potato chips, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad make great sides.
6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
7. How do I prevent my buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns before adding the filling to help them hold up better.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns and check that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free.
9. Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini blend well into the meat mixture.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joes are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that brings back childhood memories while still being satisfying for adults. Whether you make them spicy, cheesy, or classic, this homemade version is way better than the canned stuff. Try it today and enjoy a simple, flavorful dinner that everyone will love!
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Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A classic American sandwich made with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet ground beef filling served on a soft hamburger bun.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- While the meat simmers, butter and toast the hamburger buns in a skillet until golden brown.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns and serve hot.
Notes
- Want a spicier version? Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- For extra texture, serve with coleslaw on top or melted cheese.
- Make it healthier by using ground turkey instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
