Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that brings back childhood memories for many. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can customize them to suit your taste and take pride in making them from scratch. Plus, they are an easy way to feed a family or a hungry crowd.
How to Make The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Directions
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks, for about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a colander to drain.
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Then, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you smell its fragrance.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and mix in the tomato paste thoroughly.
- Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix well to combine everything.
- Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to your preference. Remove from heat and serve on toasted buns.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Serve your Sloppy Joes on warm, toasted buns. You can add cheese, pickles, or coleslaw on top for extra flavor. Pair them with fries, a salad, or chips for a complete meal.
How to Store The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Once cooled, store any leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw and reheat them properly before serving again.
Tips to Make The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- If you like your Sloppy Joes spicy, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- You can mix in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- For a sweeter flavor, you can add a little extra brown sugar.
- Adjust the measurements to suit your own taste preferences.
Variation
You can easily make a turkey or chicken version of Sloppy Joes by substituting the ground beef. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
FAQs
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of bread should I use?
Soft hamburger buns work great, but you can also try using crusty rolls, bread, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Absolutely! You can easily double or halve the ingredients based on how many people you are serving.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks, for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef to a colander to drain.
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and mix in the tomato paste thoroughly.
- Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix everything well.
- Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to your preference.
- Remove from heat and serve on toasted buns.