Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich (Print Version)
Savory ground beef simmered in tangy sweet tomato sauce, served on toasted buns for a comforting handheld meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 cup water
→ To Serve
16 - 4 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
17 - Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
05 - Sample the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed to balance the flavors.
06 - Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add pickles or cheese if desired, top with the remaining bun halves, and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Everything happens in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- These reheat beautifully for tomorrows lunch if you somehow have leftovers
02 -
- Dont skip the toasting step on your buns because that soft bread will disintegrate under all that sauce
- The sauce thickens as it cools slightly so serve it while its still bubbling hot
- Letting the mixture rest for a couple minutes off the heat before serving helps the flavors meld together
03 -
- Add a splash of vinegar if you like your sauce with more tang to balance the brown sugar
- Ground turkey works but you will need to add a little olive oil since it is so much leaner than beef