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Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes Recipe: Best Homemade Version (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Classic homemade sloppy joes feature savory ground beef simmered in a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet tomato sauce, loaded with onions and peppers, then piled on soft buns for the ultimate comfort food sandwich. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe beats canned sauce every time and is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding crowds, or satisfying picky eaters. Kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6-8 hamburger buns

Instructions

  • Brown beef: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, break into crumbles, and cook 6-8 minutes until well-browned. Drain excess grease, leaving 2 tablespoons.
  • Sauté vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Add sauce: Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust: Sample and add more sugar, vinegar, or salt as needed for perfect balance.
  • Serve: Toast buns if desired. Spoon filling onto bottom buns, top with other half, and serve with pickles and sides.

Notes

  • Consistency: Should be thick enough to stay on bun but still saucy. Add water if too thick, simmer longer if too thin.
  • Make ahead: Filling keeps refrigerated 4 days or frozen 3 months.
  • Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken work well. Adjust seasonings as these are milder than beef.
  • Spicy version: Add cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños to taste.
  • Prevent soggy buns: Toast buns lightly and serve immediately.
  • Crowd feeding: Keep filling warm in slow cooker on low setting.
  • Author: Emy Hayer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Find it online: https://yourrecipesguide.com/2025/12/30/homemade-sloppy-joes-best-recipe/