Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic, messy, and delicious sandwich made with ground beef simmered in a sweet, tangy tomato-based sauce. Piled high on hamburger buns, they’re quick to make, filling, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of dish that both kids and adults love.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 4
🔧 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Optional: Slow cooker for keeping warm
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: Butter (for toasting buns), cheese slices, pickles
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Beef: Lean beef works best to minimize excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- Ketchup + mustard + sugar: This trio creates that signature sweet-and-savory flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds extra richness, but optional.
- Worcestershire: Brings umami and depth.
- Buns: Soft sandwich or brioche buns work well. Toasting helps prevent sogginess.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (5–7 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
5. Toast Buns (Optional but Recommended)
Toast buns in a skillet with a little butter until golden and crisp.
6. Assemble & Serve
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto toasted buns. Top with cheese or pickles if desired. Serve hot!
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving with bun)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Make ahead: Sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and reheated.
- Serving a crowd? Keep warm in a slow cooker on low and let people build their own.
- Toast your buns! It keeps the sandwich from falling apart.
🔄 Variations
- Add-ins: Try shredded carrots, diced tomatoes, or corn for a twist.
- Cheesy Joes: Stir shredded cheddar directly into the meat for a cheesy version.
- Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños and sour cream.
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Use lentils, mushrooms, or meatless ground for a plant-based take.
