Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that makes for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish features a flavorful ground beef mixture served on a soft bun, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade Sloppy Joes is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills. Second, it’s budget-friendly, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to save money. Finally, the sweet and tangy flavors combined with the messy goodness make this dish absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ green bell pepper, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce (optional, but recommended)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil to a large 12-inch skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain the beef and remove it from the skillet; set aside and keep covered.
- Return the skillet to the stove; heat the remaining oil and add the peppers and onions; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 20 seconds.
- Stir the beef back into the skillet and mix in the tomato paste, brown sugar, and hot sauce.
- Add ketchup, water, and Worcestershire sauce; mix and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.
How to Serve Homemade Sloppy Joes
Serve your homemade Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw for extra flavor and crunch. Pair them with a side of fries, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Homemade Sloppy Joes
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
- For a little kick, add more hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
- If you want to make it healthier, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Make sure to toast the buns for a nice crunch and to help hold in the filling.
Variation
Try adding different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute BBQ sauce for ketchup for a smoky twist!
FAQs
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.What type of meat can I use for Sloppy Joes?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.Can I spice it up more?
Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper for extra heat. Just adjust to your taste!
Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes — they are sure to become a favorite in your household!
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided into 1 ½ tablespoons for cooking the beef and ½ tablespoon for vegetables.
- ½ green bell pepper minced
- 1 small yellow onion Minced.
- 3 cloves garlic Finely minced.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder Can adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce Optional, but recommended.
- ⅓ cup ketchup Can substitute BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil to a large 12-inch skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain the beef and remove it from the skillet; set aside and keep covered.
Cooking the Vegetables
- Return the skillet to the stove; heat the remaining oil.
- Add the peppers and onions; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 20 seconds.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir the beef back into the skillet and mix in the tomato paste, brown sugar, and hot sauce.
- Add ketchup, water, and Worcestershire sauce; mix and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
Serving
- Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.
