Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich (Print Version)

Savory ground beef in tangy sweet tomato sauce on soft toasted buns

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat & Protein

01 - 1 lb 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 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
05 - Sample the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed to achieve balanced flavor.
06 - Spoon the hot beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of toasted buns. Add pickles and cheese if using. Top with remaining bun halves and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The homemade sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that canned versions never quite achieve
  • Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
  • These reheat beautifully for lunch the next day, if they last that long
02 -
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools, so do not overcook it or it will become paste-like
  • Toasting the buns is not optional unless you enjoy soggy bread disintegrating in your hands
  • Let the mixture rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving to make it easier to scoop
03 -
  • Finely dice the vegetables so they cook down and almost disappear into the sauce
  • Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if your family enjoys some heat
  • Use gluten free buns to make this entirely gluten free

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