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Sloppy Joes

Classic Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic American comfort food—juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce and served on soft buns. Quick to make with simple pantry staples, this messy but irresistible sandwich is perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, LUNCH, school lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced small
  • 500 g ground beef lean or regular
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cube beef bouillon crumbled, or 1 tsp beef stock powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
To Serve
  • 5-6 soft hamburger rolls or brioche buns
  • cheese slices optional, for melty topping
  • extra fixings pickles, coleslaw, jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook 2 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add bell pepper: Stir in green pepper and cook 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Brown beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains.
  4. Mix sauce: Stir in mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire, tomato paste, bouillon, and pepper. Coat beef well.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes (or 15 minutes uncovered if short on time).
  6. Check consistency: Uncover and cook briefly until sauce is thick and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Toast buns: Lightly toast rolls while mixture finishes cooking.
  8. Assemble: Spoon beef mixture onto rolls. Top with cheese and fixings if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead: Filling tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Variations: Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add chili flakes or hot sauce for spice. Serving tip: Try over baked potatoes or rice for a fun twist.