Description
Bold, saucy, and irresistibly messy, the Best Sloppy Joe recipe is your next favorite go-to for a quick dinner, casual family lunch, or game-day comfort food. Made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, it’s layered into soft, toasted buns for the ultimate bite. Perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas, easy recipe options, or kid-friendly meals that pack flavor in every mouthful. Great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just when you’re craving that nostalgic, hearty sandwich from childhood.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 to 6 burger buns, toasted
Optional: cheese slices, jalapeños for topping
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. While the meat simmers, toast the burger buns with butter on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.
6. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto the buns. Top with optional cheese or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mix.
Use brioche buns for a sweeter, richer flavor and firmer texture.
Make ahead and freeze the meat mix for up to 2 months for ultra-fast meals later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sloppy joe, easy dinner, comfort food, kid-friendly, ground beef recipe, weeknight meal