Description
Classic homemade Sloppy Joes featuring lean ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar, served on toasted hamburger buns. This hearty sandwich is perfect for a family lunch or dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup*
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste*)
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
To Serve
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly and set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Sauté the beef for approximately 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked through and no longer pink. If excess fat accumulates, tilt the pan and carefully spoon it out or blot with paper towels. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (or grated carrot). Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is nicely browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water for a looser sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the hot savory mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for delicious homemade Sloppy Joe sandwiches.
Notes
- The BEST recipe for a homemade Sloppy Joe! Ground beef in a hearty tomato sauce on toasted hamburger buns.
- A family favorite that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Adjust brown sugar and mustard according to sweetness and tang preference.
- Use grated carrot as a great substitute for bell pepper to add natural sweetness.
- Toasting the buns enhances texture and flavor of the sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1073 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 59 mg
