Description
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe combines lean ground beef with finely chopped onions and green bell peppers, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful sandwich is perfect for a quick family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 85%-90% lean
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water, optional, or added to desired consistency
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and seed and finely dice the green bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves to have all vegetables ready for cooking.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce until well combined. Set aside the sauce mixture for later.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the diced onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the beef is well browned.
- Add Garlic and Sauce, Then Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, and add water if you want a thinner sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Adding a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce can give the Sloppy Joes a spicy kick.
- Toast the buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Vegetables can be finely shredded carrot or celery for added texture and nutrition if desired.
