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A classic Sloppy Joe sandwich, brimming with seasoned ground beef mixture, sits on crinkled paper atop a wooden board.

Sloppy Joe

If you’re after something comforting, nostalgic, and quick, this Sloppy Joe recipe hits the spot. It’s got that familiar beefy flavor that works for just about everyone, whether it's a gameday snack, casual hangout, or laid-back weekend. The filling can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, or frozen for later, making it easy to pull together whenever you need it. Just reheat, toast your buns, and dinner’s done.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Sloppy Joe, Sloppy Joe Burger, Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Sloppy Joes
Servings: 4
Calories: 386kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns
  • Extra BBQ sauce to serve
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened.
    1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 cup onion, 1 green bell pepper
  • Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
    1 pound lean ground beef
  • Stir in the garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar, ½ cup beef broth, Salt and pepper
  • Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Toast the burger buns under a broiler until golden, if desired.
    4 soft burger buns
  • Pile the Sloppy Joe filling onto the buns. Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce if you like, and serve with chips or a side salad.
    Extra BBQ sauce

Notes

  • Chop the Veggies Small: Small, even pieces of onion and bell pepper cook quickly and melt right into the sauce for better texture.
  • Go for Lean Ground Beef: It keeps the sauce from getting too greasy, and you won’t have to drain off much fat after browning.
  • Use a Wide Skillet: This gives everything room to cook evenly and helps the sauce reduce faster.
  • Simmer Long Enough: Give the sauce time to reduce and thicken—it’s worth the extra few minutes.
  • Balance the Flavor: Taste the sauce before you finish cooking. Add more vinegar if it needs tang, or a pinch more sugar for sweetness.
  • Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: It adds texture and keeps the bottom from going soggy once the filling hits.
  • Add BBQ Sauce at the End: A quick swirl of BBQ sauce right before serving gives a smoky-sweet bonus layer of flavor.
  • Serve Immediately: Sloppy Joes are best hot off the stove—assemble right before eating to keep everything fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1002mg | Potassium: 785mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 5mg
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