Of course! Homemade Sloppy Joes are a world apart from the canned stuff. They’re hearty, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is a classic, foolproof version that comes together in about 30 minutes.
The Ultimate Homemade Sloppy Joes
This recipe hits all the classic notes: a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. The best part is you likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now.
Ingredients
· 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, but classic)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 85/15, but any will work)
· 1 cup tomato sauce (or ½ cup ketchup + ½ cup water)
· 2 tbsp tomato paste
· ¼ cup ketchup
· 1 tbsp yellow mustard
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tbsp brown sugar (or more to taste)
· 1 tsp chili powder
· ½ tsp paprika
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· ½ cup water (plus more as needed)
· To serve: 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion (and bell pepper if using) and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Combine Sauces: To the skillet with the beef, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, and paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Simmer: Pour in the water and stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash more water.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the mixture and season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust any other seasonings to your liking (a little more sugar for sweetness, mustard for tang, etc.).
6. Toast and Assemble: While the meat is simmering, lightly toast your hamburger buns. This is a critical step—it prevents the bun from getting soggy! Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, top with the other half, and serve immediately.
—
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
· The “Sloppy” Consistency: The mixture will thicken as it sits. If you make it ahead of time or have leftovers, you’ll likely need to add a tablespoon or two of water when reheating to bring it back to the perfect “sloppy” texture.
· Leaner Meat: If you use a very lean meat like ground turkey or 93/7 beef, you may not need to drain it. You might also want to add an extra tablespoon of oil at the beginning to sauté the veggies.
· Flavor Boosts:
· For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
· A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick.
· For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular.
· Make it a Meal: Serve with classic sides like:
· Crispy potato chips or french fries
· A simple green salad or coleslaw
· Pickles (the tangy crunch is a perfect contrast!)
· Corn on the cob or buttered peas
How to Customize Your Sloppy Joes
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!
· Sloppy Giuseppe: Add ½ tsp of dried oregano and basil. Use red wine instead of water and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
· BBQ Sloppy Joes: Replace the ketchup and tomato sauce with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
· Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a finely chopped jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) with the onions and bell pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
· Turkey or Chicken Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor profile works perfectly.
· Vegetarian “Sloppy Josies”: Use 2 cups of cooked brown lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Sauté them with the veggies and proceed with the recipe.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade comfort food