Description
Classic homemade Sloppy Joes made with savory ground beef, a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, and soft hamburger buns. Quick, hearty, and family-friendly, this nostalgic favorite is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey or plant-based meat)
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and optional chili powder or hot sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Serve warm.
Notes
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
For smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
