Homemade Sloppy Joes
This Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a quick, hearty classic! Juicy beef with tangy sauce and soft buns ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect comfort meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef choose lean or regular based on preference
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ensure it is suitable for your diet
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by finely chopping the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped before you start cooking helps the process move smoothly.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Make the Sauce
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Season to Taste
- Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning—if you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar; for more tang, a splash of vinegar or extra mustard works well.
Toast the Buns and Serve
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns for extra texture and flavor. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and serve immediately. These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot and messy!
Equipment
- Large skillet
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor instead of pre-minced or garlic powder.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns—this adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess.
- For a richer taste, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or turkey.
- Simmer the sauce low and slow to allow the flavors to really develop.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy sandwich.
