For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (454g) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional but classic)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional, for depth)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 6 soft hamburger buns (potato, brioche, or whole wheat)
- Optional toppings:
- Sliced pickles
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced red onion
- Pickled jalapeños
💡 Pro Tips:
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy filling.
- Simmer uncovered—thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Toast the buns—adds crunch and prevents sogginess!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Sweet, Tangy, Foolproof)
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Cook 10–15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich.
3. Toast the Buns
- Lightly butter cut sides of buns. Toast in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon warm filling onto bottom buns. Top with extras if desired.
- Serve immediately with:
- Crispy french fries or tater tots
- Dill pickle spears
- Simple coleslaw
Serving Suggestions
- 🍽️ Bun-free: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or baked sweet potatoes
- 🌶️ Spicy twist: Add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the filling
- 🧀 Extra indulgence: Melt a slice of cheddar or pepper jack on top
- 🥗 Balanced plate: Pair with a crisp green salad
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days—flavor deepens overnight!
- Freeze: Filling freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Gently on stove with a splash of water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles—simmer same way.
Q: Gluten-free?
A: Use GF buns and check Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins is GF).
Q: Filling too runny?
A: Simmer longer uncovered—or mix 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water, stir in.
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
A: Yes! Add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.
❤️ The Heart of the Dish
Homemade Sloppy Joes aren’t fancy—but they’re honest, satisfying, and full of soul. They’re what you make when you want to feed people well without fuss, or when you need a meal that says, “Dig in—it’s gonna be good.”
So brown that beef, simmer that sauce, and pile it high. Because the best meals aren’t neat—they’re messy, meaty, and made with love.
“Good food doesn’t need a fork—it just needs beef, buns, and someone hungry.” 🥪✨