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
Scale
Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 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)
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
To Serve
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside to develop flavors.
- Cook the Beef: 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.
- Add Vegetables: 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.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: 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.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a classic, hearty sandwich experience.
Notes
- The best homemade Sloppy Joe recipe with a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce and savory ground beef, ideal for family meals.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and mustard according to your taste preference for sweetness and tang.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based mince.
- To keep the sandwich from getting soggy, toast the hamburger buns before assembling.
- You can replace green bell pepper with grated carrot for a milder vegetable flavor and added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1073 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 59 mg
