Description
This Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is a flavorful and comforting classic American sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy, sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering. The combination of sautéed peppers and onions with savory spices creates a rich filling served on toasted hamburger buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water (plus more if needed)
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine evenly.
- Add Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer with Sauce: Add ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat so flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to desired consistency and is rich in flavor.
- Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture simmers, heat a pan or griddle over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and toast the hamburger buns cut side down for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85-90%) for best flavor and fat balance.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- If the mixture thickens too much, add a little more water to reach desired consistency.
- For a lower sugar option, reduce brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener.
- Sloppy Joes can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of water when reheating if the sauce thickens too much.
