The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

homemade sloppy joes on toasted burger buns with pickles behind

The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

This is the best recipe for Sloppy Joes – a classic that's sure to become your favorite for parties or quick weeknight dinners! Our timeless recipe features perfectly seasoned meat served on a toasted hamburger bun, delivering a burst of bold flavors. Say goodbye to canned sauce and enjoy this quick and mouthwatering homemade sloppy joes from scratch, ready in just 20 minutes. It's the best version of a childhood favorite!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade sloppy joes, sloppy joes

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 371kcal

Author Ioana

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion finely chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper finely diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 pound lean ground beef 85%-90% lean
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar adjust to your taste
2 tsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp of chili powder or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 hamburger buns toasted if desired

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely minced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Follow by adding the finely minced green bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook for approximately 5 minutes until it's no longer pink.
Pour in 3/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/3 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (adjust according to your desired sweetness), 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 3/4 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency.
Serve with Toasted Buns: Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Spoon this delicious homemade sloppy joe sauce onto toasted buns.

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