Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic, comforting sandwich that’s both hearty and flavorful. With a rich, spiced beef mixture simmered to perfection, these sandwiches are perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef stock and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the flavor.
5. Step 5: Add ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on your favorite buns or bread immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Try swapping ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
• Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if it’s too thick. For longer storage, freeze the mixture for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Just reheat thoroughly before serving for best flavor.

What kind of buns work best?

Soft hamburger buns or brioche buns hold the saucy filling well and add a bit of sweetness that complements the savory beef mixture.

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, sweet onion, and green bell pepper simmered in a tangy sauce made with tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, and spices. Perfectly seasoned and rich, this classic American comfort food is easy to prepare on the stovetop and ideal for a quick family meal served on soft buns.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, crumbling it as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
4. Deglaze with beef stock: Pour in the beef stock while scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
5. Add sauce ingredients and simmer: Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
6. Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto buns or plates and serve immediately for a tasty, hearty meal.

Notes

• For extra flavor, use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to brown the beef.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
• This filling can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Serve with classic hamburger buns or slider rolls for perfect sandwiches.
• Optional toppings include shredded cheese, pickles, or sliced jalapeños for added texture and taste.

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, ground beef recipe, easy American dinner, beef sandwich, comfort food