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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
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes

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.

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