Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features seasoned ground beef simmered with onions, green bell peppers, and a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns for a deliciously messy and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Additional
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease: Remove any excess grease from the skillet to keep the mixture from being too oily, then return the pan to the heat.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and vinegar to create the flavorful sauce base.
- Season the mixture: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Toast the buns: While the mixture simmers, cut the hamburger buns in half and toast them, cut side down, in a separate skillet or toaster oven over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately for a warm, hearty sandwich experience.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- To keep buns from getting soggy, serve immediately after assembling.
- Add shredded cheese on top if you like a cheesy sloppy joe.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
