Description
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, all simmered together to create a hearty and comforting sandwich filling. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup water, optional, or added to desired consistency
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and seed and finely dice the green bell pepper.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce until well combined.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Break up the meat using a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Add the diced green pepper and chopped onion, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is nicely browned.
- Add Garlic and Sauce, Then Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a light boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a messy, delicious sandwich experience.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85%-90%) for a good balance of flavor and fat.
- To make it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the sauce.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Make sure to toast the buns to prevent sogginess from the saucy filling.
- This mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
