Description
This Best Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a classic American comfort food featuring a savory, slightly sweet ground beef mixture simmered with tomato sauce and vegetables, served on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual gatherings, these sloppy joes deliver rich flavor with a simple stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat to prevent a greasy filling.
- Add Vegetables & Sauce: Add diced green bell pepper, diced celery, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients for a rich, flavorful mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to develop the flavors.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack 12 inches beneath the broiler. Place hamburger buns, open-face, on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid greasy filling.
- Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce and develop deeper flavors.
- Watch the buns closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- For a spicier version, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
