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Sloppy Joe Recipe

4.8 from 127 reviews

This classic Sloppy Joe recipe features a savory ground beef mixture simmered with onions, green peppers, and a tangy blend of ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sugar. Ready in just 20 minutes, this hearty and flavorful sandwich filling is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal served on your choice of buns.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped fine

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tbsp canola oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  2. Prepare for Browning Beef: Push the softened onions and peppers to the outer edge of the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. This creates space in the center for browning the meat.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Spread the ground beef evenly in the center of the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a good brown crust.
  4. Cook and Break Up Meat: Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then flip it over. Continue cooking while breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Flavorings and Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use lean ground beef with less fat or substitute ground turkey.
  • Adjust the sweetness by modifying the sugar amount or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder for a spicier kick.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Consider topping sandwiches with sliced pickles or cheese for extra flavor.

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, ground beef sandwich, quick dinner, American comfort food, sloppy joe recipe