This sloppy joes with tomato sauce recipe builds the filling from simple pantry ingredients and ends up thick, tangy, and just a little sweet. Ground beef cooks with onion, bell pepper, and garlic, then simmers in a mix of tomato sauce and ketchup until the sauce clings to every bite.
It takes about 30 minutes and works with beef or turkey. Spooned onto toasted buns, it is a classic family dinner that is easy to scale up for a crowd.
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Why This Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce Recipe Works
Tomato sauce gives the filling a smooth, fresh tomato flavor, while ketchup adds sweetness and a little vinegar tang. Brown sugar rounds it out, and Worcestershire sauce and mustard add savory depth.
Adding the onion and pepper before the beef is fully cooked helps them soften and absorb flavor from the browned bits. A final simmer of about 10 minutes gives you control over the thickness.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
Ground beef or turkey: Lean meat reduces grease. Drain only if you see a lot of fat.
Tomato sauce: It makes the filling smoother than diced tomatoes would.
Ketchup: It brings sweetness and tang. It also adds salt, so keep the added salt low.
Brown sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Onion, pepper, and garlic: They give the sauce its base flavor. Chop them small.
How to Make Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
1. Start the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the beef. Crumble it with a spatula and drain off excess grease if needed.
2. Add the vegetables. When the beef has begun to brown but is not fully cooked, add the onion and bell pepper. Stir often until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables soften. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
3. Add the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, then reduce the heat to medium low.
4. Build the sauce. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer. Cook at a low simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the mixture is as thick as you like.
6. Serve. Spoon the filling onto toasted buns.
How to Serve Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
Round out the plate with double fried Potato fries or a bowl of classic potato salad with eggs.
For a more relaxed spread, add bell pepper macaroni salad or put out crockpot BBQ beef sandwiches alongside.
How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
Cool the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the filling for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen filling in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet over medium low heat until it reaches 165 degrees F, adding a splash of water if needed. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
Tips and Variations for Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
Use lean meat. It keeps the filling from getting greasy.
Cook gently. A low simmer prevents scorching and lets the flavors blend.
Adjust the thickness. Simmer longer for a thicker filling or add a splash of water to loosen it.
Toast the buns. A toasted bun stands up better to the sauce.
Add toppings. Pickles or a slice of cheese add crunch and richness.
Use turkey. Ground turkey works well, but cook it to 165 degrees F.
Cook it safely. The FDA food safety guide lists 160 degrees F for ground beef.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
Why use tomato sauce in sloppy joes?
Tomato sauce gives the filling a smooth tomato base. Ketchup alone can taste too sweet.
How do I make sloppy joes with tomato sauce less sweet?
Reduce or skip the brown sugar and add a little more mustard or Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works well. Cook it to 165 degrees F and watch for dryness.
Can I freeze sloppy joes with tomato sauce?
Yes. Freeze the filling for up to 3 months in a sealed container or bag.
What buns work well?
Toasted hamburger buns work well. Brioche or potato rolls are sturdier.
Sloppy Joes with Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
Cooking
- Start the beef. Cook in a large skillet over medium high heat, crumbling with a spatula, and drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the vegetables. Once the beef begins to brown, add the onion and pepper and cook until the beef is no longer pink. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
- Add the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, then reduce the heat to medium low.
- Build the sauce. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer. Cook at a low simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
- Serve. Spoon onto toasted buns.
