Sloppy Joe Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy Joes are a classic, comforting sandwich featuring a flavorful, saucy ground beef filling served on toasted buns. This easy recipe combines savory spices with a touch of sweetness for a perfect weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all moisture evaporates and the vegetables soften, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the Sloppy Joe mixture to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: While the mixture is resting, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add butter and toast the hamburger buns until golden brown on both sides.
6. Step 6: Fill each toasted bun with a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat and smoky flavor.
• Mix in some finely chopped mushrooms with the vegetables to boost the umami taste and add moisture.
• Try serving on brioche buns or sandwich rolls for a different texture and richer taste.

Storage

Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly on buns to keep them from becoming soggy; instead, toast them fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe filling?

Absolutely. Let the mixture cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

A classic Sloppy Joe recipe featuring lean ground beef cooked with sautéed onions and green bell peppers, simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with ketchup, mustard, and warm spices. Served on butter-toasted hamburger buns, this hearty sandwich is perfect for a simple and satisfying meal.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef – lean or 80/20
• 1 medium Yellow onion – diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper – diced
• 2 cloves Garlic – minced

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• ½ cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• Salt & black pepper – to taste

Additional

• 1 tablespoon Butter – for toasting buns
• 6 Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened and most of the moisture has evaporated.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
3. Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Allow it to cook uncovered until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Rest the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and let the sloppy joe mixture rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together for a more robust taste.
5. Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the hamburger buns and toast them lightly in a clean skillet or on a griddle until golden brown.
6. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto each toasted bun and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content while retaining flavor.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.
• For a deeper flavor, let the mixture simmer longer to reduce more liquid.
• Butter the buns just before toasting for a richer taste and crispier texture.
• Optional toppings such as sliced pickles or cheese can be added for extra flavor.

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, ground beef sandwich, easy dinner, American classic, beef sandwich