Description
This Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a perfect hearty and comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85 or 90%)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water (plus more if needed)
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat back to medium. Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.
- Simmer with Sauce: Add 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup water to the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat to blend the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sloppy joe filling and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency and the flavors are rich.
- Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture simmers, heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the hamburger buns cut side down on the hot surface. Toast them for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade sloppy joes!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85-90%) to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
- If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a bit less water.
- Feel free to serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles for added crunch.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
