Description
This homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a quick and tasty dinner option featuring ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and spices. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a classic comfort food perfect for a family meal served on toasted buns.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Condiments
- 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
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- dash of hot sauce (optional)
Spices
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles as it browns, for about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a colander to drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables and garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beef and tomato paste: Return the drained beef to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste thoroughly, combining all ingredients well.
- Incorporate remaining ingredients: Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and hot sauce (if desired) to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly so the flavors meld together.
- Simmer and thicken the sauce: Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Once done, remove from heat and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture over toasted buns.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes and hot sauce to taste.
- To make it lighter, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Drain the beef well to avoid greasy Sloppy Joes.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Leftover mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
