Sloppy Joes are a timeless favorite, featuring juicy ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. This hearty mixture is served on soft hamburger buns, creating the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or a quick and easy meal, Sloppy Joes always satisfy with their bold flavor and messy, delicious appeal. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and savoriness, this dish is a go-to classic that never fails to impress!
Cooking Time ⏳
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
My Cooking Experience 👩🍳
With 4-5 years of cooking experience, I’ve perfected Sloppy Joes to be the ultimate balance of saucy, savory, and slightly sweet. The key is simmering the beef just right so that every bite is packed with bold flavors!
Ingredients 🛒
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions 🍽️
1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables 🍳
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients 🍅
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
3. Toast the Buns 🍞
While the meat mixture is simmering, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast them until golden brown.
4. Assemble and Serve 🍔
Spoon the saucy meat mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like fries or coleslaw. Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes!
Variations 🔄
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Add a slice of cheddar or American cheese for extra richness.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce to give it a smoky twist.
- Turkey Sloppy Joes: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
Equipment You’ll Need 🔪
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Toaster or frying pan for buns
Why You’ll Love It ❤️
- Rich, saucy, and flavorful 🍅✨
- Quick and easy to make ⏳👌
- Perfect for family meals or gatherings 👨👩👧👦
- Customizable to your taste 🔄
Nutritional Information 📊
- Calories: ~420 per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
Storage Tips ❄️
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Conclusion 🏁
Sloppy Joes are a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With their saucy goodness and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy every deliciously messy bite! 🍔🔥
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast them until golden brown.
- Spoon the saucy meat mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like fries or coleslaw. Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes!
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
