Name: Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil.; 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (90/10).; 1 small sweet onion (diced).; 1 small green bell pepper (diced).; 2 tbsp tomato paste.; 3 cloves garlic (minced).; 1 tsp smoked paprika.; 1 tsp chili powder.; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.; 1 ½ cups beef stock.; 1 cup ketchup.; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard.; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.; 1 tbsp brown sugar.; Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste).

Best Ever Homemade Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of saucy, hearty, and bold flavors. This quick and easy recipe features lean ground beef cooked with sweet onions, green bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, these Sloppy Joes are ready in under 30 minutes and pair wonderfully with toasted buns. A true classic that never fails to satisfy!

Best Ever Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that delivers on flavor and ease. This recipe combines lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a savory, tangy sauce that’s perfectly thickened for piling onto toasted buns. Quick to prepare and loved by all ages, these Sloppy Joes are ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

INGREDIENTS

Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp, for browning the beef.
Lean ground beef: 1 ½ lbs (90/10), for a hearty and flavorful base.
Sweet onion: 1 small, diced, for a hint of sweetness.
Green bell pepper: 1 small, diced, for texture and flavor.
Tomato paste: 2 tbsp, for a rich tomato base.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
Smoked paprika: 1 tsp, for a smoky kick.
Chili powder: 1 tsp, for a touch of heat.
Cayenne pepper: 1/8 tsp, optional, for added spice.
Beef stock: 1 ½ cups, to create the sauce.
Ketchup: 1 cup, for sweetness and tang.
Dijon mustard: 2 tbsp, for zesty flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp, for savory depth.
Brown sugar: 1 tbsp, to balance the flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2:: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3:: Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4:: Pour in beef stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
Step 5:: Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 6:: Serve the saucy beef mixture on toasted buns for a delicious meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve with toasted buns and your favorite sides, like coleslaw or potato chips.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or chili powder, or leave it out for a milder version.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.