Description
This Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe offers a classic American comfort food made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and served on soft hamburger buns. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it combines savory spices and a hint of sweetness to create a deliciously messy sandwich everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Liquids
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons water (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 hamburger buns
Vegetables & Aromatics
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (divided)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sauces & Condiments
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 1½ tablespoons cider or red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon water and the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and stir well. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart continuously. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl and discard the fat and juices.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat oil in the skillet until shimmering, then add butter and melt it. Add diced onion and remaining ¼ teaspoon baking soda; stir to coat. Cook for about 4 minutes until translucent and softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add Spices: Stir in brown sugar, paprika, red pepper flakes, dry mustard, and kosher salt. Cook continuously for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes, until the color darkens slightly.
- Combine Beef: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and tomato paste mixture.
- Add Sauces: Stir in ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until well incorporated.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining tablespoon of water and cornstarch. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously, and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with additional kosher salt, sugar, or vinegar if desired to balance flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto soft hamburger buns.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this classic, hearty sandwich.
Notes
- Using baking soda while browning the beef and cooking onions helps tenderize and enhance the color.
- Skipping the rendered fat removal step can make the sandwich greasier; discard the fat for a cleaner flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce quickly; stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and contrast.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
