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 remember the first time I made sloppy joes for my kids: the aroma filling the kitchen had everyone rushing to the dinner table before I could even call them. It's a dish we return to whenever we want comforting flavors with minimal fuss.
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 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook 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 to 10 minutes.
- Toast the 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 family loves adding tangy pickles on top, and with plenty of napkins on hand, it turns into a memorable, laughter-filled meal together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sloppy joes with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or classic dill pickles for a true diner experience.
Ingredient Swaps
Ground turkey or plant-based meat makes a great substitute for beef, and you can use gluten-free buns for allergies.
Storage Tips
Store leftover filling in a sealed container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for future meals.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these sloppy joes hot from the skillet for the best flavor and texture. They're perfect for casual weeknight dinners!
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best type of ground beef to use?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and fat, ensuring a juicy texture without excess grease.
- → How can I add more depth to the sauce?
Enhance the sauce with smoked paprika and Worcester sauce to bring smoky and tangy notes to the rich tomato base.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months, making it convenient for meal prep.
- → What are good toppings to complement the filling?
Try sliced pickles or shredded cheese to add crunch or creaminess, balancing the savory and sweet flavors.
- → How should I toast the buns for best results?
Lightly butter the buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp to enhance texture.
- → Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Serve without cheese or butter to keep it free from dairy, while still enjoying full flavor from the sauce and meat.