Sloppy Joes
These Homemade Sloppy Joes feature lean ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a rich sweet-and-tangy sauce made from ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Served on toasted buns, they are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 6 hamburger buns
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper.
- Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until thickened.
- Lightly toast hamburger buns if desired.
- This helps prevent sogginess.
- Spoon generous portions of meat mixture onto buns.
- Top with pickles if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
- Simmering enhances flavor.
- Toasted buns improve texture.
- Bell peppers add sweetness and freshness.
- Brown sugar balances acidity.
- Homemade sauce tastes better than canned varieties.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Great for meal prep.