American
Sloppy Joe
A classic American sloppy joe with browned ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce until glossy and spoonable. Serve it hot on soft toasted buns with pickles or chips on the side.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, 80/201/2 lb
- Hamburger buns2
- Yellow onion, finely diced1/2 small
- Green bell pepper, finely diced1/4 cup
- Garlic, minced1 clove
- Ketchup1/3 cup
- Tomato sauce1/4 cup
- Worcestershire sauce1 tbsp
- Yellow mustard1 tsp
- Brown sugar1 tsp
- Apple cider vinegar1 tsp
- Chili powder1/2 tsp
- Kosher salt1/2 tsp, plus more to taste
- Black pepper1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter1 tsp
- Dill pickle slices, for servingoptional
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink and some browned bits form; drain off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef loosely.
- Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt, a splash of vinegar, or a little brown sugar if needed.
- Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until lightly golden.
- Spoon the hot sloppy joe filling onto the bottom buns, add pickle slices if using, cover with the top buns, and serve immediately.
Common questions
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in sloppy joes?
Yes. Use 93% lean ground turkey or chicken, but add 1 to 2 tablespoons oil because they’re drier than beef. Cook just until no longer pink, then follow the sauce steps. Taste and add a little extra salt and Worcestershire.
How long does sloppy joe filling take to cook from start to finish?
Plan on about 25 to 30 minutes total. Browning the beef takes 5 to 6 minutes, the vegetables 4 to 5 minutes, and simmering the sauce 8 to 10 minutes, plus a few minutes for toasting the buns.
What are the most common mistakes when making sloppy joes?
The biggest mistakes are not browning the beef enough, skipping the onion and pepper softening, and simmering too briefly so the sauce stays thin. Also avoid over-salting early, since ketchup and Worcestershire already bring saltiness.
How should I store and reheat leftover sloppy joe filling?
Cool it quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. Freeze for up to 3 months.
What are the best ways to serve sloppy joes besides on buns?
Serve the filling over baked potatoes, fries, rice, or toasted English muffins. It also works as a topping for nachos or stuffed into peppers. Add pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw for extra crunch and contrast.