Save to Pinterest 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 tasted sloppy joes at my grandmother's house and they quickly became a family favorite thanks to their satisfying flavor and simple preparation. Nothing brings back childhood nostalgia quite like these messy sandwiches.
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)
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.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- 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 buns:
- While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping to assemble sloppy joes at the dinner table. It's always a fun, messy meal for our family gatherings and puts plenty of smiles on everyone's faces.
Serving & Pairings
Sloppy joes are delicious with classic sides like coleslaw or potato chips. For a heartier meal, pair with oven-baked fries or a crisp green salad.
Storage Tips
Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (buns) and soy (Worcestershire sauce). Always check labels if serving to individuals with allergies.
Save to Pinterest This easy sloppy joe recipe is a guaranteed hit for casual dinners or backyard gatherings. Enjoy every saucy bite!
Common Questions
- → What is the best type of beef to use?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- → How can I add more depth to the sauce?
Simmer the sauce slowly to concentrate flavors and consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richness.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months without losing flavor.
- → What alternatives can I use for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work well as alternatives while keeping the texture similar.
- → How should the buns be prepared?
Lightly toast the buns in a skillet with butter for added flavor and a satisfying crisp texture.