Sloppy Joe Recipe
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
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns or gluten-free buns for a gluten-free option
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- 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.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Variations: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it Sweet: Adjust the brown sugar for a sweeter sloppy joe or add a tablespoon of honey.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.