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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
