Description
Savory Sloppy Joe sandwiches blend hearty ground beef with tangy tomato sauce for a classic American comfort meal. Juicy meat nestled in warm buns delivers satisfying flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Side Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bun Ingredients:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and crumble ground beef, sautéing with diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic until meat turns completely brown.
- Carefully drain accumulated grease from the skillet to remove excess fat, ensuring a cleaner final dish.
- Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, watching as the sauce gradually thickens and develops rich, complex flavors.
- While sauce simmers, prepare hamburger buns by lightly buttering and toasting them in a separate skillet until edges become golden and crisp.
- Generously spoon the warm, savory meat mixture onto the toasted buns, creating a hearty and satisfying sandwich that’s perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet.
- Serve immediately while the sloppy joe filling remains hot and the buns maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner, healthier version that’s equally delicious.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of smoky chipotle sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting simmering time or adding a bit more tomato paste if you prefer a richer, more concentrated consistency.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more tasty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg