Sloppy Joe Recipe
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Sloppy Joe Recipe Here’s a detailed Sloppy Joe recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch. This recipe serves about 4-6 people and takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but adds flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup (or tomato sauce for a less sweet version)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup water (or beef broth for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
For Serving:
- 4-6 hamburger buns (buttered and toasted for best results)
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, American, or pepper jack, optional)
- Pickles or coleslaw (for extra crunch, optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Seasonings and Sauce
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour in ¼ cup of water to loosen the mixture.
- Stir well to combine everything.
4. Simmer for Flavor
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
5. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)
- While the meat simmers, toast your hamburger buns in a dry skillet or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Assemble and Serve
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted buns.
- Add cheese, pickles, or coleslaw if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Make it healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Make it smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Bulk it up: Stir in cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for extra texture.
Would you like a side dish recommendation to go with this? 😊
