Who loves a good old-fashioned Sloppy Joe? ❤️ This classic American comfort food features juicy ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce, piled high on soft hamburger buns. It’s messy, delicious, budget-friendly, and perfect for an easy family dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water or beef broth, as needed
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Method:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Add a little water or beef broth if the mixture looks too thick.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more brown sugar for sweetness or mustard for extra tang.
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns, if desired.
- Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns, cover with the tops, and serve immediately.
- Enjoy these delicious, saucy Sloppy Joes with potato wedges, coleslaw, or pickles! 😋
Tip: Let the beef mixture simmer until thick enough to stay on the bun without being too watery. For extra flavor, add a slice of cheddar cheese!