Description
This Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is a delicious and hearty sandwich made with ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings a classic American comfort food to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking.
Ingredients
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% lean)
- 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)
- 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 they become 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 it is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to season the beef evenly.
- 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 everything well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over low heat so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Continue simmering until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness 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 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
- You can add more water if the sauce becomes too thick while simmering.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add shredded cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
