These sloppy joes cook ground beef with onion, bell pepper and garlic in a tangy sauce of ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. A slow simmer thickens the mixture, which you spoon onto toasted buns and top with cheese, pickles or coleslaw if you like.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make the best sloppy Joes, you’ll need:

Ground Beef – 1 pound (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
Bell Pepper – 1 small, diced (optional for added flavor)
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ketchup – ¾ cup
Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons
Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon
Yellow Mustard – 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper – to taste
Soft Sandwich Buns – 4, toasted
Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.

3. Simmer the Mixture

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sloppy Joe mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken.

4. Toast the Buns

While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the sandwich buns for extra texture and flavour.

5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add any desired toppings, then place the top bun over the filling. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavour and juiciness.
Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

Try this recipe today and bring a classic comfort food back to your table. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works as a lighter option. If you stay with beef, 80/20 ground beef gives a good balance of flavour and juiciness.

How long should the sloppy joe mixture simmer?

Simmer it on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then. That lets the flavours meld and the sauce thicken.

How can I add some heat or change the sweetness?

Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat. For the sweetness, add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

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Best Sloppy Joes Recipe