Go Back
Sloppy Joes Recipe
Connie Hope

Sloppy Joes Recipe

A cozy, savory Sloppy Joes Recipe made with juicy ground beef, tender onions and peppers, and a rich homemade tomato sauce. Served on toasted buns, this easy family dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes even better than store-bought versions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 359
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons brown sugar
For the Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% to 90% lean)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
For Serving
  • 5 hamburger buns
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, stir together tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar until smooth. Set aside.
    Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
    Drain excess grease if needed.
    Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet.
    Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
    Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir well.
    Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the buns and toast in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
    Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm sloppy joe filling onto toasted buns and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Too sweet? Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of salt.
  • Too tangy? Stir in a little extra brown sugar.
  • Too thick? Add a splash of water.
  • Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Toasted buns help prevent sogginess and improve texture.
  •  Skill Level: Easy

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 359
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 610mg