The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
4.9
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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
6 servings
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Calories
266 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Description
The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe starts by browning ground beef with butter and olive oil, then draining excess fat. The beef is combined again with sautéed minced onion and green bell pepper for a softened vegetable base. Garlic is added for aromatic depth before mixing in tomato paste, ketchup, water, and seasonings including brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. This blend is simmered over medium heat until thickened to the desired consistency.
The flavor is sweet, tangy, and savory with a hearty texture from the finely chopped vegetables and seasoned beef. The sauce clings to the meat, making it ideal for piling onto soft toasted buns. The slight sweetness from brown sugar balances the acidity of ketchup and mustard, while Worcestershire sauce adds umami complexity.
Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot over toasted sandwich buns for a casual meal. It pairs well with classic sides like fries or coleslaw. The recipe yields a comforting, filling sandwich suitable for lunch or dinner.
According to the notes, the meat mixture can be made ahead and frozen for up to four months. To use, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving. This makes it convenient for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 green bell pepper minced
- 1/2 large yellow onion minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or less, if you prefer)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- hot sauce optional, dash of
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in large skillet over MED/MED-HIGH heat. Add beef and brown, breaking apart into crumbles as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Transfer to colander to drain.
- Add onion and bell pepper to same skillet and cook 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds or so, until fragrant. Add beef back to the skillet and add tomato paste. Stir well.
- Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook over MED heat for 10-15 minutes, until mixture has thickened to your liking. Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.
Notes
- Sloppy Joe meat mixture freezes well for up to 4 months in airtight containers.
- Thaw frozen mixture overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 266 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 266kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 547mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 357mg | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 385IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 8.4mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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