Description
A classic and flavorful Sloppy Joes recipe featuring a savory tomato-based sauce simmered with lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal served on toasted hamburger buns.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Main
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar, then set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Break up the meat using a spatula as it cooks. Remove any excess fat from the pan by tilting and spooning it out or blotting with paper towels. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced green bell pepper and chopped onion. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef browns evenly. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding water if you prefer the sauce somewhat looser.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve hot for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and mustard based on your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- You can substitute the green bell pepper with grated carrot for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and drain excess grease thoroughly.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles for added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Toast the hamburger buns for extra texture and to prevent sogginess from the sauce.