Homemade Sloppy Joes (Printable version)
Savory beef in tangy tomato sauce on toasted buns, perfect for easy weeknight meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 cup water
→ To Serve
16 - 4 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
17 - Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned throughout, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and dissolve any clumps of tomato paste.
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
05 - Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
06 - Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns. Top with sliced pickles and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Close with the bun tops and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Its faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying
- The perfect balance of sweet and tangy that kids actually request
02 -
- The sauce thickens considerably as it cools, so do not overcook it thinking it is too thin
- Toasting the buns is non negotiable unless you want them to disintegrate completely
03 -
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the entire sauce if you find it too sweet
- Letting the meat mixture rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving helps the flavors meld