Description
This recipe provides a simple, homemade sloppy joe that’s bursting with rich, savory-sweet flavor and a perfect saucy texture. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative to canned versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 60 g (0.25 cup) tomato paste
- 425 g (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 120 ml (0.5 cup) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns, brioche or potato style
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 450 g (1 lb) ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until wonderfully fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the 60 g (0.25 cup) tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to deepen its rich, savory flavor. It should darken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the 425 g (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 120 ml (0.5 cup) ketchup, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika, and 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. (If the sauce looks too thin, continue simmering for an extra 5-10 minutes; if it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water or vegetable broth.)
- Season and Serve: Season the sloppy joe mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed until the flavors pop.
Notes
For lighter sloppy joes, use extra lean ground turkey or chicken. For a lower-carb option, serve over crisp lettuce wraps or roasted sweet potato slices instead of buns. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with cooked brown lentils or plant-based crumbles. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. If flavor needs a boost, add more Worcestershire or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe on a bun
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg