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 remember the first time I made sloppy joes for my family. The aroma filled the kitchen and brought everyone to the table with eager anticipation, reminding us of carefree childhood dinners.
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: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 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 mixture simmers, toast 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 Sloppy joes have become a staple for our laid-back Fridays, especially when the kids invite friends over. Everyone leaves happy and satisfied, with sticky fingers and big smiles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair sloppy joes with crispy potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a comforting and balanced meal.
Variations
Try ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter dish. Top with sliced pickles or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Nutritional Facts
Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 18 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Save Enjoy your homemade sloppy joes hot from the skillet, piled high on toasted buns. Cleanup is easy, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal, as it provides the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives can be used as a flavorful substitute.
- → How do I achieve a thick and rich sauce?
Simmer the beef mixture uncovered for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.
- → What toppings complement this beef tomato filling?
Sliced pickles and shredded cheese are popular additions that enhance texture and flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, keeping the flavors intact.