Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic comfort food that brings back memories of childhood dinners and casual gatherings. This simple recipe combines ground beef, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and soft buns to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or backyard barbecues, Sloppy Joes are a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and water or broth.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or pickles for the ultimate comfort meal.
This Sloppy Joe recipe is the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or a casual get-together, this classic dish is guaranteed to please. Whip up a batch and enjoy the delicious messiness of Sloppy Joes!
Sloppy Joe Recipe
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe features a hearty, savory-sweet ground beef filling served on toasted buns for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 –6 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and water or broth.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve warm and enjoy!
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