Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
Introduction
Sloppy Joes are a classic, comforting American sandwich featuring a savory ground beef filling simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce. This easy recipe brings together rich flavors and tender vegetables for a homemade meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup*
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste*)
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the sauce by combining the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preference. Adjust seasoning and add a splash of water if you want a looser consistency.
- Step 5: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a slightly sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar to taste, or reduce it for a tangier sauce.
- You can substitute bell pepper with grated carrot for a milder vegetable note.
- Try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like some heat in your sloppy joes.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Storage
Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. The buns are best served fresh, but can be toasted again before serving if stored separately.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove and toast the buns fresh.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to create a vegetarian version with similar texture and flavor.
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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory and slightly sweet ground beef mixture simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with hints of mustard and Worcestershire. Perfectly seasoned and served on toasted hamburger buns, it’s a comforting and easy meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2–3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Beef Mixture
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Serving
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the ground beef. Sauté the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out or blotting with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and onion. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is nicely browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a light boil while stirring, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning if needed and add a little water if you prefer a looser consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a classic, messy sandwich experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar and mustard to suit your preferred balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- If you want to make the dish healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in shredded carrots or finely chopped mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onion.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce when simmering.
- Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, ground beef sandwich, American classic, easy dinner, savory sandwich, messy sandwich
