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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

This homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a quick, budget-friendly, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and served on toasted buns, it’s a classic comfort food favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard yellow or Dijon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth

For Serving:

  • 4 hamburger or brioche buns
  • Butter optional, for toasting
  • Pickles cheese, or coleslaw for toppings (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Chop onions, bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
  • Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  • Simmer the Mixture: Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Toast the Buns: Lightly butter and toast the hamburger buns in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Assemble and Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted buns and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Customization: Adjust sweetness, spice levels, and toppings to suit personal preferences.