Dinner

Ultimate Sloppy Joes in 20 Minutes with Homemade Tomato Gravy and Bell Peppers Recipe

Name: Ultimate Sloppy Joes in 20 Minutes with Homemade Tomato Gravy and Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 3/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; Toasted hamburger buns

ByJulian Dempsey January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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Introduction

These Ultimate Sloppy Joes come together in just 20 minutes, featuring a rich homemade tomato gravy with bell peppers for extra flavor. They’re served on toasted hamburger buns and have won multiple Sloppy Joe competitions, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal.

The image shows a close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with two soft, shiny, golden-brown bun halves. The bottom bun holds a thick layer of saucy, minced ground meat mixed with a rich reddish-brown tomato sauce that looks juicy and chunky with small bits of vegetables. The top bun slightly presses down on the meat mixture, making the sandwich look full and messy. The sandwich sits on a white bowl with a natural wooden texture, and the background has a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Add the ground beef to a large skillet over high heat. Brown the beef until a deep brown crust appears before breaking it apart.
Step 2: Stir the beef and continue browning until about half has a deep crust and the beef is cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: In the same pan, add the butter, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper. Let them brown for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then stir and allow to brown for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the minced garlic, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve the sloppy Joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the tomato gravy.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Serve with pickles or shredded cheese on top to customize each sandwich.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture becomes too thick. Hamburger buns are best toasted fresh.