Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and bell peppers simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, then served warm on hamburger buns for a delicious and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor
- Water or broth, for thinning as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, homemade or bakery fresh
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are nearly tender, about 6 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
- Brown the Beef: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet beside the vegetables. Let it sear without stirring until the bottom is browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn the beef over and start breaking it up, tossing it with the peppers and onions. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is nearly cooked through.
- Drain Fat and Add Spices: Drain excess fat from the beef carefully. Add minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to integrate the flavors and ensure the beef cooks through.
- Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and natural hickory smoke flavor. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until heated through, approximately 2 minutes. Add splashes of water or beef/chicken broth as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the warm Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef, but avoid using super lean varieties to maintain moisture.
- Use a corn syrup-free ketchup such as Simply Heinz or Trader Joe's for a cleaner taste.
- Serve with sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, potato chips, pickle spears, or potato salad for a complete meal.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
