Sloppy Joes with Beef (Printer View)

Savory ground beef with a tangy tomato sauce, served warm on toasted buns.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp chili powder
12 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp salt
14 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ To Serve

15 - 4 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Butter, for toasting buns (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables soften, approximately 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate evenly.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
05 - While simmering, toast hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, optionally buttered.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of toasted buns, top with remaining halves, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Family-friendly and nostalgic
02 -
  • Sloppy Joes filling can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months
  • You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for beef
03 -
  • Toast buns just before serving so they stay crisp
  • Add sliced pickles or cheese on top for extra flavor
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