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classic Sloppy Joes recipe

classic Sloppy Joes recipe

This classic Sloppy Joes recipe serves 6 people and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Made with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a perfectly seasoned tomato-based sauce, it's comfort food at its finest. The recipe is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Can opener

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth if needed

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
  • Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Create the sauce: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  • Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add water or beef broth, one tablespoon at a time.
  • Taste and adjust: Sample the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be slightly sweet with a tangy kick.
  • Serve: Spoon the mixture onto the bottom halves of hamburger buns and top with the other half. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

The 80/20 ground beef blend provides the best flavor and texture balance
Don't skip the tomato paste – it adds depth and richness to the sauce
The mixture should be saucy but not watery; adjust liquid as needed
Toast the buns lightly for extra texture and to prevent sogginess