Savory Beef Tomato Buns (Printable Version)

Ground beef in tangy tomato sauce on soft buns for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp chili powder
12 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp salt
14 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ To Serve

15 - 4 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Butter, for toasting buns (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, approximately 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - While the filling simmers, toast hamburger buns in a skillet or oven, optionally buttering them before toasting.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, cover with the top halves, and serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick to make
  • Family-friendly and budget-conscious
02 -
  • Sloppy joe filling can be made ahead and reheated
  • Check labels if serving to those with wheat or soy allergies
03 -
  • Try topping with pickles or shredded cheese for extra flavor
  • Leftover filling is great for stuffed bell peppers or on baked potatoes
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