Description
This classic sloppy joe recipe is the ultimate comfort food — savory, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. Serve it on a soft hamburger bun and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 hamburger buns (or gluten-free buns for a gluten-free option)
Instructions
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Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth.
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Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
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Toast the Buns: While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven for a few minutes until lightly golden.
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Assemble: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Notes
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Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Variations: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
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Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Make it Sweet: Adjust the brown sugar for a sweeter sloppy joe or add a tablespoon of honey.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe Recipe Easy Sloppy Joe Comfort Food Recipe Quick Dinner Ideas Ground Beef Recipes