Description
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe features savory, well-seasoned ground beef cooked with sautéed onions and green peppers, simmered in a tangy sauce made from ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of sugar. Perfectly served on your choice of buns, this quick and easy meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weekday dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped fine
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Arrange vegetables and increase heat: Push the softened onions and peppers to the outer edge of the pan. Increase heat to medium-high to prepare for browning the beef.
- Brown the ground beef: Place the ground beef in the center of the pan in an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes so it starts browning properly.
- Season and cook through: Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Flip the beef and start breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto your favorite buns such as burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner ground beef can be used but may require additional moisture or fat.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper with the sauce ingredients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Try topping with sliced pickles, cheese, or coleslaw for extra texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, ground beef recipe, sandwich, easy dinner, quick meal, classic American
