Sloppy Joe Recipe
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Introduction
Get ready to rediscover a true classic with our homemade Sloppy Joe recipe! This beloved American comfort food, known for its rich, tangy, and slightly sweet meat sauce, is surprisingly simple to make from scratch and delivers an explosion of nostalgic flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is designed to be straightforward, delicious, and utterly satisfying. Forget the canned stuff; once you try this fresh, vibrant version, it's sure to become your new go-to!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted (optional)
- Optional toppings: pickles, cheddar cheese, sliced red onion
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips & Notes
- Make it Ahead: Sloppy Joe mixture tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily make this vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground crumble or finely diced mushrooms and lentils.
- Customize Your Sweetness & Tang: Adjust the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to your preference. For more tang, add a bit more vinegar; for a sweeter sauce, add more sugar.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond buns, serve over rice, pasta, baked potatoes, or even in lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I freeze Sloppy Joe mixture? A: Yes, absolutely! Once cooled, transfer the mixture to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Q: What else can I serve with Sloppy Joes? A: Classic sides include coleslaw, potato salad, French fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad.
- Q: How can I make this spicier? A: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper.