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Classic Comforting Sloppy Joes Recipe

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A quick and easy homemade sloppy joe sandwich recipe that delivers bold, nostalgic flavors perfect for family meals and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional but recommended)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 oz (170g) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and 1 small green bell pepper. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Carefully drain any excess grease, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in 6 oz (170g) tomato paste, 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly until combined.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the beef mixture. Add a splash of water if sauce gets too thick.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir and remove from heat.
  8. Toast 4-6 hamburger buns in the oven or toaster until lightly golden and crisp on the edges.
  9. Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor and moisture. Drain excess fat but leave a little for flavor. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Sauce thickens best when simmered uncovered. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water to loosen sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Variations include using ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or adding cheese or spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, sloppy joe recipe, ground beef sandwich, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, homemade sloppy joes

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/classic-comforting-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-homemade-sloppy-joe-sandwiches-for-family-meals/