Description
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe features tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and a perfect blend of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Served on toasted hamburger buns, it makes a quick and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 85%-90% lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup water, optional, or added to desired consistency
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and seed and finely dice the green bell pepper to prepare them for cooking.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce until well combined for the flavorful Sloppy Joe sauce.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the ground beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the diced green pepper and onion, and cook an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and beef is browned.
- Add Garlic and Sauce, then Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and add water if a looser consistency is preferred.
- Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for delicious Sloppy Joe sandwiches.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding water to loosen or simmering longer to thicken.
- To add a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Toast the hamburger buns for added texture and flavor.
