🍽 Sloppy Joe Recipe
📌 Introduction
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick and simple to prepare? The Sloppy Joe is the perfect solution! This classic American sandwich is a delicious mix of seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, piled high on soft buns. The savory, slightly sweet flavors combined with the juicy texture make every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy dinner on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to add your favorite twists or keep it classic. Let’s dive into this timeless favorite and discover why you’ll love making and eating it.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in under 30 minutes
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Uses simple, affordable ingredients
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Perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings
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Kid-friendly and customizable
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
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Deliciously juicy with balanced sweet and savory flavors
🧾 Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup ketchup
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
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4 to 6 hamburger buns, toasted
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Optional: sliced pickles, cheese, or coleslaw
Substitutions
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Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option
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Use sugar-free ketchup to reduce sugar content
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Add chopped mushrooms for extra veggies and texture
Pro Tips
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Brown the beef well for maximum flavor
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Simmer the sauce until thickened for the perfect sloppy consistency
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Toast buns to prevent sogginess
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Prep Steps
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Finely chop onion and bell pepper.
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Mince garlic cloves.
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Toast hamburger buns lightly.
🔥 Cooking Steps
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
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Spoon generous amounts of this recipe filling onto toasted buns. Add toppings if desired.
Chef’s Tip
For an extra tangy kick, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the filling during simmering.
🧂 Notes & Tips
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
🌶 Flavor Variations
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Add chili powder or cumin for a spicy twist.
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Mix in BBQ sauce for smoky flavor.
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Stir in shredded cheese for a creamy texture.
🍽 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
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350 | 25g | 35g | 12g |
⚠ Dietary Tags
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Not gluten-free (contains buns)
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Can be made dairy-free and low sugar with substitutions
📣 Conclusion
This recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food classic that everyone will love. Its rich, tangy sauce and juicy beef make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect any day of the week. Try this recipe tonight and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
✨ Loved this recipe? Save it on Pinterest for your next cozy baking session! 🔗 infinityrecipes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
💬 Can I make Sloppy Joes vegetarian?
✅ Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives.
💬 How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
✅ Toast the buns before assembling and avoid adding too much sauce at once.
💬 Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
✅ Absolutely! The filling keeps well refrigerated for 3 days and freezes nicely.
💬 What sides go well with Sloppy Joes?
✅ Classic sides include coleslaw, potato chips, pickles, or a fresh green salad.
💬 How spicy are Sloppy Joes?
✅ The traditional recipe is mild but you can easily add hot sauce or chili powder to spice it up.
Sloppy Joe
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe features seasoned ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce, served on toasted buns for a quick and delicious comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
- Spoon filling onto toasted buns and add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Toast buns to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, American sandwich