Homemade Sloppy Joes
This homemade sloppy joe recipe brings back the kind of simple, messy dinner I remember eating as a kid, with tender ground beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce that is sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Buns and pickles for serving (https://christinesnotebook.com/sourdough-brioche-burger-buns/)
Instructions
- Add the ground beef, onion, and green pepper to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables begin to soften, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and coats the beef.
- Taste and add the second tablespoon of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sloppy joe.
- Serve warm on toasted buns with pickles.
Video
Notes
- Butter and toast the buns before serving so they hold up better under the sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
