Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features lean ground beef simmered in a hearty, flavorful tomato sauce with a blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices. Combined with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and garlic, this dish is perfect served on toasted hamburger buns for a satisfying family meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
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, mustard, and brown sugar. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil followed by the ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until fully cooked and no longer pink. If excess fat accumulates, tilt the pan and spoon it out or blot with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced green bell pepper and finely chopped onion into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef develops a deeper brown color. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your preference. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen the consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately while warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- The BEST recipe for homemade Sloppy Joe sandwiches — rich, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Adjust the mustard and brown sugar amounts to suit your preferred level of tanginess and sweetness.
- You can substitute the green bell pepper with grated carrot for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- To reduce fat content, choose lean ground beef and drain excess fat thoroughly after cooking.
- For a looser sandwich filling, add water gradually during simmering to reach desired consistency.
- Serve on toasted buns to add extra flavor and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- 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
