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 my mom making these Sloppy Joes on cold evenings and everyone would crowd the kitchen for seconds. It always reminds me of simple comforts and sharing good food together.
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: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ 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 ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add 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 to 10 minutes.
- Toast buns:
- While mixture simmers, toast hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save Making these together always brings laughter around the table as everyone stacks up their sandwiches with favorite toppings. It's a meal that quickly became a regular in our weeknight rotation.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (buns) and soy (Worcestershire sauce). Always check labels if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Save Serve hot and enjoy a true comfort food classic with the ones you love. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of ground beef works best?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio offers the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- → Can I substitute any vegetables?
Yes, diced onions and bell peppers are traditional, but you can add or swap with finely chopped mushrooms or celery for varied texture.
- → How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmering the sauce for 8–10 minutes allows it to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- → What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Lightly butter buns and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden for added richness.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months without losing flavor.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work well if you prefer a different protein option.