Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

A timeless American comfort food, these Classic Sloppy Joes are made with tender ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy homemade sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Served on soft toasted buns, these messy, meaty sandwiches are a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients
    For the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 500 g ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 0 cup 0.5 green bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 0 cup 0.5 ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 0 tsp 0.5 smoked paprika
  • 0 tsp 0.25 ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 0 cup 0.25 water
    • For Serving
  • 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting buns)
  • Dill pickle slices (optional)
  • Cheese slices (optional – cheddar works well)
Instructions
    Sauté the Aromatics
  1. 1
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (180°C). Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
    2. Brown the Ground Beef
  2. 2
    Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-7 minutes until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
    3. Add the Sauce Ingredients
  3. 3
    Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine with the beef.
    4. Simmer the Filling
  4. 4
    Add 0.25 cup of water and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
    5. Toast the Buns (Optional)
  5. 5
    While the beef simmers, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a dry skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown.
    6. Assemble and Serve
  6. 6
    Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add cheese slices or pickles if desired. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve hot.
Note

Make it spicy: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Freezer-friendly: Let the beef mixture cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Meat substitute: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Keywords: quick, easy, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, weeknight dinner
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/classic-sloppy-joe-sandwiches-recipe/