Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
If desired, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Step 6: Assemble
Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sloppy Joes with:
- French fries
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Pickles
- Corn on the cob
- A simple green salad
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Let the filling simmer long enough to develop a rich, thick sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
- Toasting the buns helps keep them from becoming soggy.
- Leftover filling tastes even better the next day.
Storage
Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy this hearty, comforting sandwich for lunch, dinner, or your next casual gathering!
