Best Ever Homemade Sloppy Joes

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Toast the buns lightly for added texture and to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang in the sauce.

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