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Homemade Sloppy Joes

A rich, saucy, and hearty ground beef sandwich recipe made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients for the ultimate family comfort meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup ketchup
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 6 hamburger buns

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water.
  6. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and saucy.
  8. Toast buns lightly if desired.
  9. Spoon filling onto buns and serve warm.

Notes

Toast the buns for the best texture and prevent sogginess. Leftover filling freezes beautifully for quick future meals.