Description
This easy homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal your family will love. Ground beef is sautéed with onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, then simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Served on toasted hamburger buns, these Sloppy Joes make a perfect weeknight dinner or casual gathering treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85 or 90%)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water (plus more if needed)
To Assemble
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to evenly season the beef.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is very fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer with Sauce: Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over low heat so the flavors can meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking and is rich in flavor.
- Toast the Buns: While the beef simmers, heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a touch of olive oil and place the hamburger buns, cut side down, on the hot surface. Toast for 1-2 minutes until the buns are golden and lightly crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade sloppy joes!
Notes
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- You can add other veggies like red bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash more water to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe (with bun)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 1110mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
