Name: Homemade Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10); 1 small sweet onion, diced; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 ½ cups beef stock; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple yet packed with deep, well-rounded flavors that elevate sloppy joes beyond the usual. The slow simmer melds the ingredients beautifully, creating a thick, saucy filling that’s neither too sweet nor too spicy. It’s easy to prepare in just 45 minutes and makes enough for a family meal or leftovers. Plus, the addition of fresh veggies like bell pepper adds texture and nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ cups beef stock
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have melded, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately on hamburger buns.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Spicier: Increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
Sweeter: Add a bit more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup.
Cheesy: Top sloppy joes with melted cheese like cheddar or pepper jack.
Bun alternatives: Serve on slider buns, sandwich rolls, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This filling also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner substitute, but it may require slightly longer cooking to develop flavor.

What type of buns work best?

Soft hamburger buns or brioche buns work best to soak up the sauce without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sloppy joe mixture, cool, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.

How do I adjust the sauce thickness?

Simmer longer to thicken the sauce or add a small cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Diced carrots or celery can be added with the onion and bell pepper for extra texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat from chili powder and cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and serve on gluten-free buns.

How do I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium ketchup and beef stock, and adjust salt to taste.

What’s the best way to serve sloppy joes?

Classic on buns with pickles or coleslaw on the side; also great over rice or baked potatoes.

Can I add cheese inside the mixture?

Cheese is best added as a topping on the bun, but you can stir in shredded cheese after cooking if desired.

Conclusion

Homemade Sloppy Joes are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe’s balance of spices, tangy sauce, and hearty beef makes for an unbeatable classic that’s better than any canned version. Serve on soft buns and enjoy a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

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Homemade Sloppy Joes with rich, saucy ground beef and flavorful spices, featuring a perfect balance of tangy ketchup, smoky paprika, and sweetness, served on soft hamburger buns for a classic comfort food meal.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have melded, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately on hamburger buns.