There’s nothing quite like a classic Sloppy Joe — the ultimate comfort sandwich that’s messy in the best way possible! Tender ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, then piled high on a soft, toasted bun. It’s nostalgic, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, feeding hungry kids, or just craving a quick and hearty dinner, these homemade Sloppy Joes hit the spot every time!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🕒 Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
🍅 Saucy & flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: A meal everyone enjoys — no fancy ingredients needed!
🍔 Budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste (for richness)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky twist)
¼ cup water (or beef broth)
For Serving:
4 soft hamburger buns (toasted lightly)
Butter for toasting
Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil (if using), then the ground beef. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Veggies
Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and water (or broth).
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef mixture. Stir to combine well.
- Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should thicken and cling to the meat beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings — add more sugar for sweetness or mustard for extra tang.
- Toast the Buns
While the mixture simmers, lightly butter your hamburger buns and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon a generous amount of the saucy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top with shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw if desired, then
