Go Back
Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, Sloppy Joes are a savory, slightly sweet, tomato-based meat mixture, nestled between soft, toasted buns. Comfort food at its finest and ready in minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste Salt
For Serving
  • 8 hamburger buns

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  5. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns.
  7. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom buns, then top with the other half of the bun.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables too! Finely diced celery, carrots, or even zucchini can add both flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or even a jar of your favorite marinara sauce as a base. To keep the buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them before adding the filling. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the cut sides of the buns to create a moisture barrier. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking – a little extra brown sugar for sweetness, or a splash of vinegar for tanginess.