Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

This easy Sloppy Joe recipe features seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and bell peppers, simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with mustard, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this classic sandwich is served on toasted buns, making it a crowd-pleasing meal option. Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish loved by families. Ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and customizable with various protein or spice options.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up lightly, leaving some larger chunks. Cook without stirring for about 8 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
2. Add chopped onions and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and beef broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens but remains moist.
4. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a sweeter flavor, add brown sugar to your preference (optional).
5. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns. To toast buns, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toast the bun halves until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Sloppy Joe recipe combines classic flavors with simple ingredients, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Tips

• Let the beef brown without stirring at first to develop a richer flavor.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for thicker or adding more broth for a saucier texture.
• Toasting the buns adds a delicious crunch that complements the savory filling.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
• Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• For a vegetarian version, swap beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the mixture can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe filling?
Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving

Serve this Sloppy Joe filling on toasted buns with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Suggestions

Add sliced pickles, cheese, or chopped onions on top of your Sloppy Joe sandwich for added flavor and texture.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

• 3/4 cup tomato ketchup

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (see note)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up lightly, leaving some larger chunks. Cook without stirring for about 8 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
• Add chopped onions and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
• Reduce heat to medium. Stir in ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and beef broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens but remains moist.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a sweeter flavor, add brown sugar to your preference (optional).
• Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns. To toast buns, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toast the bun halves until golden brown.