Classic Sloppy Joes
Intro
Sloppy Joes are an all-American comfort food favorite, loved for their sweet, tangy, and savory ground beef filling piled high on soft hamburger buns. Quick to make and budget-friendly, they’re a go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or even school lunch nostalgia. This classic recipe keeps things simple — seasoned beef, onions, and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce — delivering that messy, saucy goodness that makes Sloppy Joes so fun (and delicious) to eat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6 sandwiches
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but classic)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for mild spice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
4–6 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw
Instructions
Cook the Beef (8 minutes)
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and bell peppers; cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook another 1 minute.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Make the Sauce (10 minutes)
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder.
Mix well, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Assemble & Serve (2 minutes)
Spoon the beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns.
Serve hot with pickles, fries, or a simple side salad.
Tips
Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy.
Make it cheesy: add shredded cheddar on top before serving.
For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Sloppy Joe filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.