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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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