Description
This Best Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory ground beef mixture simmered with fresh vegetables, tomato sauce, and bold seasonings, served on toasted hamburger buns for a classic American comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat to prevent a greasy filling.
- Add Vegetables & Sauce: Add diced green bell pepper, diced celery, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients for a rich, flavorful mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to develop the flavors.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack 12 inches beneath the broiler. Place hamburger buns, open-face, on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To avoid a soggy bun, toast the buns right before assembling the Sloppy Joes.
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
