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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

An easy homemade sloppy joe recipe featuring ground beef simmered in a sweet, tangy tomato sauce and served on hamburger buns.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 4 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Step 1.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. [ ] Step 2.
  4. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. [ ] Step 3.
  6. Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  7. [ ] Step 4.
  8. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. [ ] Step 5.
  10. Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the hot filling onto the buns and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Adjust the sweetness and mustard to taste.
  • Refrigerate leftover filling for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months for best quality.
  • Store the filling separately from the buns.