Save 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.
Sloppy Joes remind me of my childhood, when my family eagerly gathered around the kitchen table for simple, hearty meals that filled the house with irresistible aromas.
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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 (optional): for toasting buns
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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 the 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 the buns:
- While mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Assemble and serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save There is nothing like my kids racing to the table when they smell these simmering Sloppy Joes. It always turns a regular weeknight into something special.
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Required Tools
Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
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Enjoy the rich, savory taste of a classic Sloppy Joe in just 30 minutes – a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of beef is best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best, providing flavor and moisture balance.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables in the filling?
Yes, finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic provide essential flavor. Variations can include other mild veggies.
- → How should the buns be prepared for serving?
Lightly toasting the buns, optionally buttered, enhances texture and flavor, preventing sogginess.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, omit any cheese toppings and use dairy-free butter alternatives for toasting the buns.
- → How long can leftovers be stored safely?
Leftover filling can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
- → What seasonings balance the sweet and savory flavors?
Brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika create a harmonious sweet and tangy profile.
