Homemade Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
465 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Description
This recipe starts by searing ground beef in olive oil on high heat without breaking it up to develop a rich, caramelized crust similar to a hamburger patty. After flipping and browning the other side, the beef is broken apart and cooked through with diced onions and minced garlic. The tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cider vinegar, and optional hot sauce are added to create a sweet and tangy sauce that coats the meat.
The finished sloppy joe mixture is typically spooned onto toasted hamburger buns, which can be buttered and lightly toasted on a griddle to add flavor and prevent sogginess. This dish offers a balanced texture with the richness of the meat and the soft bun, suitable for casual family dinners served alongside potato wedges or other sides.
For a convenient variation, the browned meat with onions and garlic can be prepared on the stovetop, then transferred to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients to simmer for 2-3 hours on low, allowing flavors to meld. Adding cheese slices or mixing cheese into the meat mixture provides extra creaminess. Adjust hot sauce to taste and consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or celery for additional texture.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef 85% lean
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce canned
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce optional*
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4 Hamburger Bun toasted
Instructions
- Add the oil to a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
- Add the beef but don’t break it apart yet. Allow a dark brown crust to develop on the bottom of the meat, about 4 minutes. This gives it a hamburger-like texture.
- Flip the beef and allow a crust to develop on the reverse side.
- Once browned, reduce heat to medium-high.
- Add the onions and break the beef apart. Allow the beef to finish cooking through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir until heated through and thickened slightly. Don't let the sauce reduce too much, especially if you're going to reheat leftovers.
- Serving suggestion: Spread butter over the top and bottom of your burger buns and toast them on a griddle or large skillet prior to serving. This adds nice flavor/texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
- Serve on buns and top with cheese if desired. Serve with potato wedges!
Notes
- For easier preparation, brown the meat and onions on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with remaining ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Butter and toast hamburger buns on a griddle to add flavor and prevent sogginess when serving.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to personal taste; Texas Pete or Frank's Hot Sauce are recommended.
- Add a slice of American cheese on top or mix Velveeta cheese into the meat for a creamier texture.
- Optional additions include diced bell peppers or celery to enhance texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 1103mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 676mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 345IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 114mg | 11% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.