I can hardly wait to share my Homemade Sloppy Joes with you. I prepare it with ground beef, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper, simmered with tomato sauce, paste, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This recipe offers a delightful mix of savory and tangy notes that is irresistible.

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I always get excited when I whip up my easy sloppy joe recipe even though it might sound basic at first. I first cooked up 1 lb ground beef with a medium chopped onion and diced green bell pepper with 2 cloves garlic, and let me tell you, the aroma hit me hard!

I added in a can of tomato sauce and 3 tbsp of tomato paste, which blended perfectly with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. A quick stir in 1 tbsp yellow mustard and 1 tsp chili powder made the mixture even more enticing.

I then poured in about 1/2 cup water and seasoned with salt and pepper. Simmering everything together created a sauce that’s just incredible and falls right into the category of Best Sloppy Joe Recipe that you’ll ever try.

Serve it on your favorite hamburger buns and enjoy a hearty meal that’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it mixes sweet and tangy flavors so perfectly, it takes me back to my childhood comfort food nights. I also like how quick and easy it is to whip up even on the busiest weeknights, saving me time without sacrificing taste. Plus, I really enjoy the messy, hands-on fun of making sloppy joes that I can customize just the way I like ’em.

Get ready for the best sloppy joes you’ll ever have! This recipe is a total lifesaver on those crazy days when you need dinner fast, but still want something hearty and flavorful. I mean, who wouldn’t love the way the brown sugar and vinegar brighten up the rich tomato and beef mix? It’s not fancy or pretentious, just real, down-to-earth cooking that always hits the spot.

Ingredients

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Ground beef: Delivers protein and rich flavor; it’s hearty and filling.
Onion: Adds mild sweetness and crunch while providing necessary fiber and antioxidants.
Green bell pepper: Offers vitamin C and extra fiber, giving a crisp, fresh burst of flavor.
Garlic: Packs a punch with a pungent taste; known to support overall health.
Tomato sauce and paste: Create a tangy, vibrant base that brings natural sweetness and depth.
Brown sugar: Balances the tang with a touch of sugary, inviting sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives a bright, sour kick that lifts all the flavors together.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, choped

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

3 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Hamburger buns for serving

How to Make this

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1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 lb ground beef until it’s browned; add a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.

2. Toss in the chopped medium onion and diced green bell pepper, and stir them around until they start to get soft, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Add in the 2 minced garlic cloves and let everything cook together for another minute.

4. Stir in the can of tomato sauce, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.

5. Sprinkle in 1 tsp chili powder and mix it all well.

6. Pour in 1/2 cup water, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors come together.

7. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, making sure it’s just the way you like it.

8. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve right away, enjoying the messy, delicious goodness of these sloppy joes.

Equipment Needed

1. A large skillet
2. A wooden spoon or spatula
3. A chef’s knife
4. A cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. A can opener

FAQ

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: It usually takes about 10 minutes prep time and 20-25 minutes to fully cook, so ya can have it ready in about half an hour.

Q: Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

A: Sure, you can try ground turkey or even pork if thats what you have on hand, but ground beef gives the classic flavor.

Q: Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat well before serving.

Q: What can I use if I dont have tomato paste?

A: If youre out of tomato paste, you can use an extra can of tomato sauce and simmer longer to thicken the mix.

Q: How do I serve these sloppy joes?

A: They are best served on soft hamburger buns. You can add some cheese or a bit of extra mustard if you like.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option.
If you cant find green bell pepper, red bell pepper works pretty well also.
You could swap tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture in your sauce.
Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang that still mixes well.
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a few drops of lemon juice can be a decent substitute.

Pro Tips

1. When browning the beef, let it cook slow and low so it really gets that deep flavor. I found stirring it often helps break up any big chunks and ensures it cooks evenly.

2. Give the onions and peppers enough time to soften before adding the garlic. Sometimes I rush it and the veggies end up crunchier than I’d like, so letting them really melt into the meat makes a big difference.

3. Always taste your sauce towards the end of simmering. It might need a little extra salt or sugar, depending on your taste. Adjusting the seasoning while you’re cooking can totally step up your dish.

4. If you’re into a bit of spice, try tossing in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

400

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large skillet
2. A wooden spoon or spatula
3. A chef’s knife
4. A cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. A can opener

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, choped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Hamburger buns for serving

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 lb ground beef until it's browned; add a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
Toss in the chopped medium onion and diced green bell pepper, and stir them around until they start to get soft, about 4-5 minutes.
Add in the 2 minced garlic cloves and let everything cook together for another minute.
Stir in the can of tomato sauce, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
Sprinkle in 1 tsp chili powder and mix it all well.
Pour in 1/2 cup water, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors come together.
Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, making sure it's just the way you like it.
Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve right away, enjoying the messy, delicious goodness of these sloppy joes.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.