Hello World KitchenBeta

Classic Homestyle Sloppy Joes

A quick, comforting classic featuring savory ground beef smothered in a tangy, sweet homemade tomato sauce, served piled high on buttery toasted buns. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

Prep 10 min Cook 15 min Total 25 min Level Beginner

Serves 4

Ingredients

Meat and Aromatics

1 pound Ground beef (85% lean) — Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred
0.5 cup Yellow onion — Finely diced
0.5 cup Green bell pepper — Finely diced
2 cloves Garlic — Minced

Sloppy Joe Sauce

0.5 cup Ketchup
0.25 cup Water — Or beef broth for extra depth
1 tablespoon Brown sugar — Packed
1 tablespoon Tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
0.5 teaspoon Salt — To taste
0.25 teaspoon Black pepper — Freshly ground

For Serving

4 whole Hamburger buns — Brioche or classic sesame seed
2 tablespoons Butter — Softened, for toasting buns

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
~7 min
Leave a little bit of grease (about 1 tablespoon) in the pan for flavor and to keep the meat moist.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
~1 min
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, water (or broth), brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
~2 min
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. If it gets too thick, add a splash more water.
~5 min
Simmering allows the tangy and sweet flavors to meld perfectly with the beef.
While the meat simmers, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the buns butter-side down. Toast until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
~2 min
Toasting the buns creates a barrier that prevents the sloppy joe mixture from making the bread soggy.
Spoon a generous amount of the warm sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, top with the other half, and serve immediately.
~1 min
Serve with pickles, potato chips, or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition

480

Calories

Protein (g)

Carbs (g)

Fat (g)

Sat. Fat (g)

Fiber (g)

Sugar (g)

850

Sodium (mg)

Cholesterol (mg)

Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or meat chopper
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef's knife
Cutting board

Tips & Storage

Make ahead: The meat mixture tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 3 days in advance and gently reheat on the stove.
Veggie variations: Hide extra vegetables like grated carrots, zucchini, or minced mushrooms in the meat mixture during step 1.
Cheese lovers: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the toasted bun before piling on the meat.
Storage: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.