Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

This family-friendly, homemade sloppy Joe recipe is the ultimate weeknight win. Six servings, one skillet, and it’s on the table in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion

    chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper

    seeds and ribs removed, chopped

  • 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic

    finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 c. canned tomato sauce
  • 6 hamburger buns

    toasted

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden, 10 to 15 minutes 

  2. 2

    Add ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until color has darkened and ketchup is reduced to a thick paste, 7 to 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until incorporated, about 1 minute more.

  4. 4

    Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Using a fork, break apart beef until separated and no big lumps remain. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil, stirring to combine. Let cool slightly; season with salt, if needed.

  6. 6

    Divide beef mixture among buns and serve.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

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About this Recipe

Craving that classic, comforting sloppy Joe flavor, but want something better than a can? This family-friendly, homemade sloppy Joe recipe is your ultimate weeknight win, bringing a beloved favorite to your table in under an hour.

What sets this recipe apart is its vibrant, scratch-made sauce, balancing sweet and tangy notes from ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. The addition of aromatic garlic, onion, and bell pepper builds a deep flavor foundation. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, simplifying cleanup for those busy evenings.

You'll discover a rich, savory ground beef mixture generously coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures when piled high on a crispy, toasted hamburger bun. This hearty dish is designed for pure comfort, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to achieve. The flavors are nostalgic and robust, making every spoonful a delight.

Feel free to customize your Sloppy Joes to your liking. If you prefer a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition alongside the chili powder. For those who enjoy extra vegetables, finely diced carrots or celery could be sautéed with the onion and bell pepper for added texture and nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by slightly increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to match your preference.

Perfect for a casual family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a quick, satisfying meal anytime. Serve these on toasted hamburger buns, perhaps with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

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