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 made these for a busy weeknight when comfort food was much needed. Everyone loved the homemade sauce and the easy assembly!
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
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.
- Add vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion bell pepper and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened about 4 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- 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.
- 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 to Pinterest Sloppy Joes have always been a hit at our family gatherings. They're a comforting choice when we want food that reminds us of home.
Recipe Variations
Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. Add pickles or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with potato chips coleslaw or a crisp green salad for a classic diner-style meal. Great for picnics barbecues or casual dinners.
Storing Leftovers
Let the mixture cool then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these Sloppy Joes warm right off the skillet. They're the ultimate comfort food for casual family meals.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of beef works best?
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for juicy and flavorful results.
- → Can vegetables be customized?
Yes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic add depth but can be adjusted based on preference.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
Simmering the tomato sauce mixture slowly reduces moisture and intensifies flavors.
- → What buns work well for serving?
Soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted or buttered, provide the best texture contrast.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes can be used for different dietary needs.