Name: Sloppy Joe Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped fine; 1 medium green pepper, chopped fine; 1 tbsp canola oil; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tsp yellow mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe combines ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a tangy sauce for a satisfying sandwich that the whole family will enjoy.

A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with two layers: the bottom layer is a soft, golden brown sesame seed bun, and the top layer is a thick pile of cooked ground beef mixed with a reddish-brown sauce and small bits of green celery, covered by the sesame seed bun top. The background shows a blurred second sloppy joe and a pile of golden French fries on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef*
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 medium green pepper, chopped fine
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp canola oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and green peppers, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 2: Push the onions and peppers to the outer edge of the pan and increase the heat to medium-high.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the center of the pan, spreading it out in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the meat begins to brown.
Step 4: Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then flip it over. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined and heated through.
Step 6: Serve the sloppy joe mixture warm on burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use turkey or plant-based ground meat as a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
Top with shredded cheese or pickle slices for added texture and taste.
Allow the meat mixture to simmer a bit longer for a thicker, richer sauce.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Prepare buns fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a sandwich made with a shiny golden-brown sesame seed bun on top and a soft bottom bun, filled with a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with finely chopped green vegetables and a thick red sauce. The texture of the meat looks juicy and well-cooked, packed densely between the two buns. The sandwich sits on a wooden surface with warm tones, highlighting the moist and hearty filling inside the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat thoroughly before serving and assemble the sandwiches just before eating.

What bread works best for sloppy joes?

Soft hamburger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls are ideal because they hold the filling well without falling apart.