Description
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, featuring lean ground beef simmered with a flavorful tomato-based sauce and tender vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water, optional, or added to desired consistency
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 85%-90% lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Serving
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and seed and finely dice the green bell pepper to prepare the vegetables for cooking.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce until well blended to create the flavorful Sloppy Joe sauce.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is well browned.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the mixture is too thick, stir in water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a classic, hearty sandwich meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños with the vegetables.
- Use lean ground beef (85%-90%) to reduce excess fat and keep the sandwich healthier.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or a little ketchup can tweak the sauce flavor if desired.
