Description
This Sweet and Tangy Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory ground beef or turkey mixture simmered in a flavorful sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served on warm hamburger buns for a classic American comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Mix in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade sweet and tangy sloppy joes.
Notes
- Using ground turkey instead of beef makes for a leaner option.
- Bell pepper is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor.
- Adjust brown sugar and vinegar quantities to your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- If you prefer spicier sloppy joes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for a complete meal.
