Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Made with ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, and served on soft buns, this recipe is perfect for a family-friendly meal.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🫑 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 🍅 1 cup ketchup
- 🥄 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 🥄 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 🍯 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 🍋 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 💧 1/4 cup water (or beef broth for extra richness)
- 🍞 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
- 🧀 Optional: Slices of cheese for topping
📝 Directions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- 🍳 Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
- 🧅 Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
2. Make the Sauce:
- 🍅 Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Add the water or beef broth to the mixture.
- 🍲 Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
3. Prepare the Buns:
- 🍞 Toast the Buns: While the sauce is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a griddle.
4. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- 🍔 Build the Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. If desired, top with a slice of cheese and then the top half of the bun.
5. Serve:
- 🍽️ Serve Hot: Serve the sloppy joes immediately with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Homemade Sloppy Joes, a perfect meal for any occasion!
⏱ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4-6 servings
🔥 Calories: 350 kcal per serving (without cheese or sides)
💡 Notes:
- You can add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to the sauce for extra tang or heat.
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Homemade Sloppy Joes! 🍔✨