Description
Classic Sloppy Joes made with lean ground beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with a balance of tangy mustard, sweet brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, combined with sautéed onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Served warm on toasted hamburger buns, this easy and hearty comfort food is perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
Main
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well to blend all the flavors, and set the sauce mixture aside to use later.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. If there is excess fat collected, carefully tilt the pan and spoon it out or blot with paper towels. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (or grated carrot). Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef starts to brown nicely. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef mixture and bring it to a light boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional brown sugar, mustard, salt, or pepper as needed, and add a splash of water if you prefer a looser sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a delicious and hearty sandwich meal.
Notes
- For a slightly sweeter or tangier Sloppy Joe, adjust the amount of brown sugar or mustard to your taste.
- Using extra light olive oil or any high-heat cooking oil prevents burning during sautéing.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
- To keep the beef lean, drain off excess fat after cooking.
- To enhance the flavor, the buns can be lightly toasted before serving.
- The recipe yields approximately 5 to 5.5 servings, perfect for a family meal.
