Description
Hearty sloppy joes recipe brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with bold, messy flavors. Ground beef simmered in tangy sauce promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 – 6 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
- Sliced pickles (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped onions (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 6-7 minutes.
- Carefully drain any accumulated excess fat from the meat to ensure a leaner, cleaner mixture.
- Incorporate ketchup, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rich brown sugar, tangy mustard, warming chili powder, smoky paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the meat mixture.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp around the edges for added texture and warmth.
- Generously spoon the savory beef mixture onto the prepared buns, creating hearty and satisfying Sloppy Joes.
- Optionally garnish with additional toppings like shredded cheese, crisp pickles, or fresh chopped herbs to enhance the dish’s overall appeal.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy, soggy sandwich that can make the buns fall apart.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using a sugar substitute for a more balanced flavor profile.
- Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier, lighter version of this classic comfort food.
- Toast buns lightly with a thin layer of butter for extra crunch and rich flavor that complements the savory meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg