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Classic Sloppy Joes Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food for Family Meals

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A quick and easy classic sloppy joes recipe featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy, sweet tomato sauce, perfect for family meals and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 46 hamburger buns (brioche or classic white buns recommended)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop one medium yellow onion, dice one small green bell pepper (if using), and mince two cloves of garlic. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until nicely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the empty side. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Mix the beef and veggies together. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef nicely, about 10-15 minutes.
  6. While the sauce simmers, lightly toast your hamburger buns in a toaster or skillet to prevent sogginess.
  7. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Serve immediately while warm and saucy. Optionally add pickles or cheese.

Notes

Brown the meat properly for best flavor and texture. Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning and achieve a glossy, thick consistency. Adjust seasoning with extra brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce as needed. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Variations include vegetarian, spicy, low-carb, and seasonal twists.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joes, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, quick recipe