Sloppy Joes have been a family favorite in my home for years, and this homemade version is the best yet. With lean ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce along with onions, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, it creates a satisfying meal served on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joes
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe is not just easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Adaptable to various tastes—try BBQ Sloppy Joes or Vegetarian Sloppy Joes.
- Great for kids—they love the messy, tasty experience!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
With this homemade Sloppy Joes recipe, you’ll bring joy to your table while satisfying hunger. The American cuisine shines through every bite, making this dish a staple in our household.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
Gather these items:
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
How to Make Sloppy Joes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside to develop flavors.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and fully cooked. If excess fat accumulates, drain it off by tilting the pan and spooning it out or blotting with paper towels. Season the beef with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Stir in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (or grated carrot). Cook for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef is browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- Step 5: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a classic, hearty sandwich experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joes
Keep these in mind:
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to mix in spices like cayenne pepper for a spicy Sloppy Joes variation.
- Toast the buns for added texture and flavor.
- Try adding cheese on top for a delicious twist.
Best Ways to Serve Sloppy Joes
Here are a few ideas to enhance your Sloppy Joe experience:
- Serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.
- Top with pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch.
- Pair with a light beer or soda for a casual meal.
How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joes
To store leftovers, place the Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm, or heat on the stovetop over low heat. This makes a fantastic meal prep option for busy days!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joes
What’s the secret to perfect Sloppy Joes?
The secret lies in balancing the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce. Adjusting the amount of brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce can help achieve the perfect flavor profile for your Sloppy Joe sauce.
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve it on buns for a quick and easy meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sloppy Joes?
One common mistake is overcooking the meat, which can make it dry. Be sure to cook it just until no longer pink, and keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from getting too thick.
Variations of Sloppy Joes You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, here are some delicious variations:
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Add your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Sloppy Joes with Cheese: Melt some cheese on top for a cheesy delight.
Delicious Homemade Sloppy Joes for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This classic homemade Sloppy Joes recipe features lean ground beef cooked in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, served on toasted hamburger buns for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2–3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside to develop flavors.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and fully cooked. If excess fat accumulates, drain it off by tilting the pan and spooning it out or blotting with paper towels. Season the beef with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (or grated carrot). Cook for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef is browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a classic, hearty sandwich experience.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg