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–+ servings
SLOPPY JOES

Sloppy Joes

A hearty ground beef sandwich filling simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, spooned generously over toasted buns and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef (680 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced (about ¾ cup / 100 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15 g)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (1.5 g)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.5 g)
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
  • Cook the beef for 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat from the pan.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the beef.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir everything together until the beef is fully coated in the sauce, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have come together.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or chili powder for heat.
  • Spoon the filling generously over toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a leaner result, use 93% lean ground beef. For a richer, more traditional flavor, 80/20 works well and can be drained after browning.
  • The filling keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
  • Add a finely diced jalapeño with the onion and pepper for a mild heat that builds in the background.
  • Serve on brioche buns for a richer finish, or over a baked potato for a sloppy joe bowl variation.
  • Toast the buns before serving; it prevents them from going soggy under the saucy filling.
  • Macros estimate (per serving, based on 6 servings with bun): Calories ~430 | Protein ~28g | Fat ~12g | Carbs ~48g
Keyword beef recipe
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