Classic Sloppy Joes
A weeknight-friendly sloppy joe with tender ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, and soft buns. It is saucy, simple, and easy to adjust for your family’s taste.
Total
35 min
Servings
4 servings
Level
Easy
Sloppy joes are a classic American sandwich made with ground meat simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. The filling is spooned onto soft hamburger buns, so every bite is messy in the right way.
This version uses pantry staples like ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. A little bell pepper and onion add flavor and texture without making the recipe fussy.
Serve these with pickles, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The filling also reheats well, which makes it handy for lunches or a quick second dinner.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
17 items · 4 servings
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef, 85% or 90% lean
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheddar, diced onion, or coleslaw
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chop the vegetables
Finely chop the onion and bell pepper so they soften quickly and blend into the sauce. Mince the garlic, which means cutting it into very small pieces.
2. Soften the onion and pepper
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables look glossy and feel softer.
3. Add the garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stop when it smells fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so do not let it brown too much.
4. Brown the beef
Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Break the meat into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until no pink remains. If there is a lot of fat in the pan, carefully spoon off most of it.
5. Toast the tomato paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This short step deepens the tomato flavor and helps the sauce taste less raw.
6. Make the sauce
Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, and water. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the beef is coated.
7. Simmer until thick
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens but still looks moist. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
8. Taste and adjust
Taste the filling. Add a little more salt for savoriness, mustard for tang, or brown sugar for sweetness. Keep changes small, then taste again.
9. Fill the buns
Spoon the hot sloppy joe filling onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add any toppings you like, then close the sandwiches and serve right away.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Cook the filling up to 3 days ahead. Cool it, cover it, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if it has thickened.
- Storage: Store leftover filling separate from buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the buns from getting soggy.
- Freezing: The filling freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet or saucepan.
- Meat swap: Ground turkey or ground chicken works well. Use a little extra oil if the meat is very lean, since lean poultry can dry out faster than beef.
- Vegetable swap: Red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, or finely chopped carrot can replace the green pepper. Cook firm vegetables until tender before adding the beef.
- Less sweet: Reduce the brown sugar to 1 teaspoon, or leave it out if your ketchup is already sweet enough for you.
Cook's note
For a sturdier sandwich, toast the cut sides of the buns in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting creates a light barrier so the sauce does not soak in as quickly.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make sloppy joes without Worcestershire sauce?
Yes. Use soy sauce for a salty, savory flavor, or add 1 teaspoon of vinegar plus a small pinch of sugar for tang. The flavor will be slightly different but still good.
How do I keep sloppy joes from being too runny?
Simmer the filling uncovered until extra liquid cooks off. If it is still loose, cook it for a few more minutes and stir often. Avoid adding the filling to buns until it has thickened.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a large skillet, Dutch oven, or wide pot so the meat browns instead of steaming. The simmering time may be a few minutes longer.
What buns are good for sloppy joes?
Soft hamburger buns are classic. Brioche buns taste richer, while potato rolls are soft but hold up well. Toasting any bun helps it stay firm.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or 1 finely chopped jalapeño with the onion and pepper.
05Keep cooking
You might also like
DinnerClassic Meatloaf
This tender, sliceable meatloaf is made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and a tangy ketchup glaze. It is a dependable family dinner that also makes excellent leftovers.
DinnerSimple Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
This easy baked cod is tender, flaky, and bright with lemon, garlic, and a little butter. It is a quick weeknight dinner that feels fresh without asking much of the cook.
DinnerSimple Steak Marinade
This easy steak marinade uses soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a little lemon to season steak without covering up its flavor. It is quick to whisk together and works for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling.
DinnerCrispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
These bone-in chicken thighs bake up juicy inside with crisp, well-seasoned skin. It is a simple dinner recipe that works with rice, potatoes, salad, or whatever vegetables you have on hand.