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Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.4 from 87 reviews

Upgrade your classic Sloppy Joes with this hearty homemade recipe packed with real ingredients and fresh vegetables for extra texture. Toasted buns cradle a savory beef filling simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, making these Sloppy Joes perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Ready in just 45 minutes, this comfort food favorite is both easy and delicious.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 sandwiches

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced

Sauce

  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving

  • 8 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Drain the Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat to prevent a greasy filling.
  3. Add Vegetables & Sauce: Add diced green bell pepper, diced celery, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients for a rich, flavorful mixture.
  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to develop the flavors.
  5. Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack 12 inches beneath the broiler. Place hamburger buns, open-face, on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Assemble & Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Customize the vegetables—try adding carrots, mushrooms, or jalapeños for a twist.
  • Prepping in advance? The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead and reheated for quick meals.
  • For extra indulgence, top with shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.
  • Keep an eye while broiling the buns as they can burn quickly.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 598 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg