Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich (Printable)

Tangy beef filling on soft buns for quick family meals

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

→ Vegetables

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

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

→ To Serve

15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles if desired, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes from ingredients you probably already have
  • The sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that makes everyone reach for seconds
  • Its endlessly adaptable, easily scaled up for hungry crowds or halved for a cozy night in
02 -
  • The sauce needs those 10 minutes of simmering time to thicken properly, otherwise you'll end up with soup dripping down your arms
  • Drain most but not all of the beef fat, that little bit remaining carries so much flavor that water or lean meat just can't replicate
  • Letting the mixture rest for just a couple minutes off the heat before serving helps the sauce cling to the meat even better
03 -
  • Use a potato masher to break up any stubborn clumps of beef while it cooks for that perfect fine texture
  • Let the buns toast just enough to create a barrier but not so much they become hard and scratchy
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you want
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