Name: Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 hamburger buns

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and full of bold flavors. The combination of ground meat, savory seasonings, and a sweet-and-tangy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need something quick, and the best part? It’s a meal the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, allowing you to add your favorite spices or swap in ground turkey for a leaner version.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes flavorful.
While the meat mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns lightly in the oven or on a griddle.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun and top with the other half.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Swap the ground beef or turkey with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meatless version.
Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some extra heat.
BBQ Sloppy Joes: Replace ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Top the meat mixture with shredded cheese before closing the bun for a melty, cheesy version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the sloppy joe filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or pork for a lighter variation. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, Sloppy Joes can be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and assemble the sandwiches.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe filling?

Yes, you can freeze the sloppy joe filling for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What kind of buns should I use for Sloppy Joes?

Soft hamburger buns work best for Sloppy Joes. You can also use brioche buns for a richer, buttery taste, or opt for whole wheat buns for a healthier twist.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the Sloppy Joe filling in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How can I make the Sloppy Joe sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup.

Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use tomato paste, but you will need to thin it out with a little bit of water or broth to achieve the right consistency for the sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add more heat with ingredients like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.

Can I make Sloppy Joes with ground beef that’s already seasoned?

If you’re using pre-seasoned ground beef, you may want to reduce or skip the additional seasoning in the recipe. Taste as you go to ensure it’s well-balanced.

Can I serve Sloppy Joes with something other than buns?

Yes! You can serve Sloppy Joes over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. With its rich flavor and simple ingredients, it’s an easy, hearty meal you can whip up in no time. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations to make this dish your own!

Sloppy Joes

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Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy-to-make American classic that combines ground beef or turkey with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty dish served on soft buns is a family favorite that can be customized with various flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes flavorful.
While the meat mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a griddle.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.
To add extra heat, include jalapeños or hot sauce in the mix.
For a smoky twist, swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce.
You can make the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Sloppy Joes can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.