Easy & Delicious Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe – Quick

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food that brings together ground beef, a tangy and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce, and soft sandwich buns. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or even casual get-togethers. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers a nostalgic taste that both kids and adults love. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the process of making the best homemade Sloppy Joes, packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients.

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Nutrition & Instructions

• Calories per serving: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Cuisine

• American

Course

• Main Course

Servings

• Serves: 4 people

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for slight heat)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth (for consistency adjustment)
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Once cooked, drain excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

4. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet.
5. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

6. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
7. Add water or beef broth for desired consistency.
8. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
9. Reduce heat and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

10. While the meat mixture simmers, spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast them in a separate pan until golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

11. Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
12. Place the top bun over the filling and serve immediately.
13. Optionally, serve with pickles, coleslaw, or a side of fries.

Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

• Lean Beef Alternative: Use leaner beef (90/10) for a healthier version.
• Make It Spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder for more heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
• Thicker Sauce: Simmer longer to thicken the sauce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Conclusion

Sloppy Joes are a fantastic, budget-friendly, and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe is packed with rich, savory flavors and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a gathering, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every messy, mouthwatering bite!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.