This classic Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, flavorful ground beef coated in a tangy-sweet sauce is served on soft buns for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe will remind you of the nostalgic flavors you love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Serve warm.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add diced carrots or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Swap out ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
What sides go well with Sloppy Joes?
Serve with coleslaw, potato chips, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the meat mixture?
Absolutely! Cool it completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, flavorful ground beef coated in a tangy-sweet sauce is served on soft buns for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe will remind you of the nostalgic flavors you love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This mixture can be made ahead and reheated; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- To add more vegetables, consider incorporating finely diced carrots or mushrooms along with the onions and bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg