Description
This Sweet and Tangy Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe delivers a classic American comfort food experience with a flavorful blend of ground beef, bell peppers, and a perfectly balanced sauce. The mixture is simmered to perfection and served hot on toasted hamburger buns, making for an easy and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Add garlic and sauce ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve warm: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately for a delicious and hearty sandwich.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
- Toppings such as pickles, cheese, or coleslaw pair wonderfully with these sloppy joes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
