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Best sloppy joe recipe 2026 04 23 142938 819x1024

Best Sloppy Joe

A classic Sloppy Joe recipe that's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce grease.
  • ¾ cup chopped onion
  • ½ green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Adjust the sweetness to taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • 4 pieces hamburger buns (toasted) For serving.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, crumbling it with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease (this may not be necessary if you’re using lean ground beef).
  • When the beef has started to brown but isn’t fully cooked, add the onion and bell pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables have started to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cooking

  • Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together.
  • Cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches your desired thickness.

Serving

  • Serve the Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns.

Notes

You can add toppings like pickles or cheese based on your preferences. For longer storage, freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Quick Dinner, sandwich, Sloppy Joe