Description
Classic Sloppy Joes featuring a savory ground beef mixture simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns. This hearty and flavorful sandwich recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Serving
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar, mixing well. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil followed by the ground beef. Sauté the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it is cooked through and no longer pink. If excess fat accumulates, tilt the pan and spoon it out or blot it with paper towels. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Stir the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (or grated carrot) into the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the beef is nicely browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more brown sugar or salt if desired. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a delicious, messy sandwich experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to balance the tanginess according to your preference.
- You can substitute green bell pepper with grated carrot for a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrition.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and drain excess fat during cooking.
- To make this recipe quicker, prepare the sauce in advance and store refrigerated.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side for added texture and flavor.
