Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory ground beef mixture simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, flavored with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Served on toasted hamburger buns, it makes a quick, comforting meal perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Main
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium/high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove any excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out or blotting with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is nicely browned. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and bring it to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste and add a little water if you prefer a looser texture.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm for a classic, hearty sandwich experience.
Notes
- Use ketchup and brown sugar amounts according to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a vegetable twist, substitute the green bell pepper with grated carrot.
- Remove excess fat from the cooked beef for a leaner dish.
- To enhance flavors, consider toasting the buns before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or mustard to suit your taste.
