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Homemade American Sloppy Joe

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes.

This classic Sloppy Joe recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic American comfort food. The dish combines browned ground beef with sautéed onions, green peppers, and garlic, all simmered in a slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce. A careful blend of ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal comes together quickly for busy weeknights, and the heat level can be easily adjusted with cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Served on toasted hamburger buns, these Sloppy Joes deliver that authentic messy, delicious experience that both kids and adults love.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:45:46 GMT
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A delicious chili cheese burger with a bun on a wooden table. | lastminrecipes.com

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a perfect Sloppy Joe sandwich. After testing countless variations, I've discovered that the magic lies in balancing tangy tomato flavors with just the right hint of sweetness while maintaining that signature messy texture. This recipe has been refined through Sunday family dinners and casual gatherings to create what I believe is the ultimate version of this beloved American classic.

Last month, I served these at a backyard gathering, and watching both kids and adults pile seconds onto their plates reminded me why this unpretentious sandwich has remained a favorite for generations.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: 80/20 provides the best flavor and texture.
  • Yellow Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and body.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Adds garden freshness.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced cloves, not powder.
  • Ketchup: Provides the signature tangy-sweet base.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor and richness.
  • Brown Sugar: Just enough to balance the acidity.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: The secret umami booster.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds complexity and tang.
  • Hamburger Buns: Lightly toasted for structure.
A delicious chili cheese burger with a bun on a plate. Pin it
A delicious chili cheese burger with a bun on a plate. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Meat Preparation
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon. Return meat to pan.
Vegetable Integration
Add finely diced onion to beef. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add diced bell pepper, cook 2 minutes more. Stir in minced garlic, cook 30 seconds. Keep vegetables moving to prevent burning.
Creating the Sauce
Add tomato paste, stir to coat meat. Cook paste 1 minute to deepen flavor. Pour in ketchup, stir to combine. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly. Stir until everything is well combined.
Simmering Process
Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce should thicken slightly. Add splashes of water if too thick. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Final Assembly
Lightly butter hamburger buns. Toast until golden. Spoon generous portion of meat mixture onto bottom bun. Add top bun. Serve immediately.

My grandmother always said the key to great Sloppy Joes was patience during simmering - that's when the flavors truly develop.

Topping Options

While purists enjoy them plain, dill pickle slices, thinly sliced white onion, or a slice of American cheese make wonderful additions for those who want to customize.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a nostalgic school lunch experience, serve with tater tots.

Make-Ahead Tips

The filling actually improves overnight as flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving on freshly toasted buns.

This Sloppy Joe recipe has become my go-to comfort food, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. It proves that simple food, prepared with care and quality ingredients, can create the most satisfying meals and lasting memories.

A delicious hamburger with a generous amount of meat and a variety of toppings, including peppers and onions, is served on a wooden table. Pin it
A delicious hamburger with a generous amount of meat and a variety of toppings, including peppers and onions, is served on a wooden table. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called a Sloppy Joe?
The name comes from its messy appearance when served on a bun, as the loose meat mixture tends to drip and fall out while eating.
→ How do I prevent my Sloppy Joes from being too runny?
Simmer the mixture until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually about 15-20 minutes.
→ Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with Sloppy Joes?
Traditional sides include potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

Homemade American Sloppy Joes

A classic American comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 small onion, diced
03 ½ green bell pepper, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1½ pounds ground beef

→ Sauce Components

06 ¾ cup ketchup
07 15 ounces tomato sauce
08 2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 1 tablespoon dry mustard
10 1 pinch cayenne pepper
11 Salt and pepper to taste
12 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
13 Pepper flakes to taste (optional)

→ For Serving

14 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large fry pan over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until they begin to soften. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Remove vegetables to a bowl and reserve.

Step 02

Add ground beef to the frying pan, breaking it into small pieces. Brown thoroughly, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 03

When beef is browned, add ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 04

Add the sautéed vegetables back to the pan and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 05

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or cayenne. Add optional pepper flakes if desired.

Step 06

Toast the hamburger buns, spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and serve.

Notes

  1. Brown meat in batches if pan is too small to avoid steaming
  2. Sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Toaster (for buns)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (hamburger buns)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~