Traditional Sloppy Joes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food — hearty, tangy, and bursting with flavor. This classic recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s dive into making these delicious, messy sandwiches that everyone loves.

Ingredients for Traditional Sloppy Joes

Ground beef serves as the hearty base and provides rich flavor. Choose lean beef to minimize excess grease. Onion and green bell pepper add a sweet, mild crunch that balances the savory beef. Garlic introduces a hint of aromatic depth without overpowering the dish. The tomato sauce and ketchup form a tangy, sweet, and slightly acidic sauce, while Worcestershire sauce brings in a savory umami kick. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity, and mustard powder provides a subtle warmth and spice. Finally, salt and black pepper season the mix perfectly, and hamburger buns are the soft vessel for serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before serving.
  • If you’re short on time, prepare the mixture in advance and reheat for serving. It often tastes even better the next day.
  • Try adding a splash of vinegar if you prefer a more tangy flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Sloppy Joes with homemade coleslaw or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. They also go well with sweet potato fries or a classic corn on the cob. For a cozy touch, serve with a side of baked beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used if you prefer a lighter option.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Are there vegetarian options?
Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to make this dish vegetarian.

Traditional Sloppy Joes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from getting too greasy.

Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them into the beef and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor.

Now, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together. You'll know it's ready when the mixture has thickened up nicely.

Finally, spoon the mixture generously onto the hamburger buns and serve immediately. Enjoy the messiness — it's part of the fun!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for pleasing picky eaters.
  • Versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 hamburger buns

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Drain excess fat and add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
5. Serve the Sloppy Joes mixture on hamburger buns.

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