Description
This Best Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a classic American comfort food featuring a savory ground beef mixture simmered with vegetables and rich tomato sauce, served hot on toasted hamburger buns. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium celery ribs, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Serving
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown beef with onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound ground beef with 1 diced medium white onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain fat from beef: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness, then return the skillet to the heat.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Add diced green bell pepper, diced celery ribs, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. This allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Toast hamburger buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack about 12 inches below it. Place the 8 hamburger buns open-faced on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve immediately for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- To make ahead, prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture and refrigerate; reheat gently before serving.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy twist.
- Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, pickles, or potato chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, ground beef sandwich, American comfort food, easy dinner, homemade sloppy joe sauce
