Go Back

Sloppy Joes Recipe

Classic sloppy joes made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce, served on toasted buns.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 366
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 1 medium green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar or molasses
  • 4 to 6 toasted hamburger buns for serving
  • Pickle chips for serving (optional)
  • Shop Recipe

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince or grate the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Transfer the beef to a bowl.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the chili powder and paprika and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Return the beef and its juices to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until thick and saucy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and top with pickle chips if desired. Serve warm.