Sloppy Joes
This is Sloppy Joes done right, no packets, no shortcuts, just rich, meaty, saucy goodness on a toasted bun. A total weeknight win that’s easy, nostalgic, and borderline addictive. You’ll need napkins. Maybe a bib.
Servings: 6
Calories: 201kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- ½ onion chopped
- ½ green bell pepper finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup tomato sauce or tomato passata
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Add the butter to a large skillet and melt it over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the ground beef and cook, stirring often and breaking apart as you go, until the beef is fully cooked.
- To the same skillet add the onion and bell pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
- Spoon over halved buns and serve.
Video
Notes
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- Ground Beef: I use regular 80/20 beef for best flavor. You can drain off the extra fat, but don’t overdo it, we want the sauce rich, not dry.
- No mystery sauce: Just a handful of pantry staples: ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar. That sweet-salty-tangy balance is what makes it taste like a Sloppy Joe, not just meat in sauce.
- Veggies: Dice the onion and green pepper small so they melt into the meat. You won’t notice them as “chunks,” but they add loads of flavor.
- Toast the buns!: Don’t skip this. It makes the difference between a sandwich and a soggy mess. Dry pan or a swipe of butter, up to you.
- Make-Ahead: YES. This actually gets better after a day in the fridge. Freeze it too, it reheats perfectly.
- Serving tip: Spoon it over toasted brioche buns with a slice of cheddar and some pickles. Trust me.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
