The BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe

This Sloppy Joe recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal made with lean ground beef, onions, green bell peppers, and a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meals, or a casual gathering. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar creates a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with toasted hamburger buns. This classic Sloppy Joe sandwich is easy to make, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it ideal for both busy evenings and meal prep. Customize it with different meats or vegetables to suit your preferences, and serve with your favorite sides like fries or coleslaw.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tsp yellow mustard
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup water (optional, for desired consistency)
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Finely chop the onion and seed and dice the green bell pepper.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
   Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Sauté the Veggies
   Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Garlic and Simmer
   Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a light boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Add water if you prefer a looser consistency.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns for the ultimate sandwich experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sloppy joe recipe is a perfect combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. With lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a simple and comforting meal that the whole family will love. The easy-to-make sauce combines Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar to create a perfectly balanced flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a quick weeknight dinner, these sloppy joe sandwiches will become a go-to recipe.

Tips

• For Extra Flavor: You can sauté the onion and green pepper in the beef fat for added flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Toasted Buns: Toasting the hamburger buns adds extra texture and helps prevent the buns from becoming too soggy when serving.
• Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Meats: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this recipe. If you prefer pork, ground pork can also be used.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you like a sweeter sloppy joe, add more brown sugar or a tablespoon of maple syrup.

FAQs

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! Sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joes?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Simply allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use pre-made sloppy joe sauce?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sloppy joe sauce instead of making your own. Just skip the step of preparing the sauce and add the pre-made sauce after sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve your sloppy joe sandwiches with classic sides like potato chips, French fries, or a crisp coleslaw. You can also add a slice of cheese (cheddar or American) on top of the beef before serving. For a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe filling over a bed of rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb alternative. Enjoy!