Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

A classic American comfort food featuring tender ground beef cooked in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. These sloppy joes are quick to make, perfect for family dinners, and are best served on soft hamburger buns with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4–6 hamburger buns

• Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
   Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.

5. Serve:
   Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Top with pickles or shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Equipment

• Large skillet

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size
Serves 4–6

Homemade Sloppy Joes

A classic American comfort food featuring tender ground beef cooked in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. These sloppy joes are quick to make, perfect for family dinners, and are best served on soft hamburger buns with your favorite sides.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:30 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup 120 ml ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard yellow or Dijon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 –6 hamburger buns
• Optional toppings: pickles shredded cheese

Instructions

• Cook the Beef:
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add Vegetables:
• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Prepare the Sauce:
• Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Simmer:
• Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
• Serve:
• Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Top with pickles or shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings: 6 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, plant-based ground meat, or finely chopped mushrooms.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Use the same amount of ground turkey or chicken; cooking time may be slightly shorter.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance, then store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to taste.

5. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe mixture?
Yes. Allow the mixture to cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

6. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.

7. Can I use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes. It will give a smoky, tangy flavor. You can also use a mix of ketchup and BBQ sauce for balance.

8. How do I prevent buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture. Serve immediately after assembling.

9. Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Yes. Finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added along with the onion and bell pepper.

10. Can I serve this over something other than buns?
Yes. Try it over rice, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or even inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

How To Store Homemade Sloppy Joes

Refrigerator:

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through.

Freezer:

• Store cooled Sloppy Joe mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Buns:

• Store separately in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.