Save It A classic American comfort food featuring savory ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. Perfect for a nostalgic, budget-friendly family dinner.
Growing up, Sloppy Joes were always a hit on busy weeknights. The saucy filling and buttery toasted buns made it a comfort classic everyone looked forward to.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g), 80/20 preferred
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Yellow mustard: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Hamburger buns: 4, split and lightly toasted
- Butter: for toasting buns (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Toast buns:
- While the mixture simmers, toast hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Assemble and serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save It My kids love helping in the kitchen, and assembling Sloppy Joes together always turns dinner into a joyful family moment.
Required Tools
Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat from buns and soy from Worcestershire sauce. Always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein.
Save It Serve these Sloppy Joes hot and fresh for ultimate satisfaction. Enjoy every bite of this classic comfort food.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of meat is best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal as it provides rich flavor and moisture.
- → Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for two months, making it convenient for meal prepping.
- → What vegetables enhance the flavor?
Onions, green bell peppers, and garlic are sautéed to add sweetness and aroma.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
Simmering the mixture uncovered allows the tomato sauce and spices to concentrate, thickening the sauce naturally.
- → Are there suggestions for toppings?
Sliced pickles or shredded cheese can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → Can meat alternatives be used?
Ground turkey or plant-based options work well as substitutes for a different twist.