Description
This Easy Sloppy Joe recipe features a savory and slightly sweet ground beef mixture simmered with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of flavorful spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers classic American comfort food served on toasted buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toasting Buns
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toasted sandwich buns
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up slightly but keep some larger chunks. Let it cook undisturbed for about 8 minutes until a browned crust forms. Stir or flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes while breaking the beef into smaller pieces with your spoon.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and beef broth. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens but is not too dry.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as desired. If you prefer sweeter Sloppy Joes, you can add some brown sugar, though the ketchup usually adds enough sweetness.
- Toast the Buns: In a clean skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sandwich buns cut side down in batches and toast until the insides are golden brown.
- Serve: Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used as a substitute but will change the flavor slightly.
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer milder Sloppy Joes.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer if needed, but avoid drying it out.
- Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
