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.
I first tasted sloppy joes at a neighborhood potluck, and since then they've been my go-to when I need something hearty that everyone will enjoy without 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&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 Shake up your weeknight routine: my kids always ask for seconds when this goes on the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
Pair sloppy joes with potato chips, coleslaw, or crispy oven fries for a truly classic experience.
Customization Options
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. Adjust chili powder for spice preference.
Leftover Tips
Store extra filling in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a quick meal on busy nights.
Save Make tonight memorable with these savory sloppy joes: simple, satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives can be used instead of ground beef, offering a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- → What spices give the sauce its flavor?
Mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce combine to create a tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky profile.
- → How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
Lightly toasting the hamburger buns, optionally brushed with butter, helps keep them firm and adds a pleasant crisp texture.
- → Can leftovers be stored safely?
Yes, leftover filling can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture when reheated.
- → What vegetables enhance the filling?
Finely chopped onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic soften into the savory sauce, adding natural sweetness and depth.