Sloppy Joes Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Sloppy Joes with this easy baking recipe. Perfectly seasoned ground beef in a rich, tangy tomato sauce creates a nostalgic comfort food classic. My foolproof method ensures the ideal sauce consistency every time, perfect for family dinners!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

6 sandwiches

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced (about 150g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 green bell pepper, finely diced (about 120g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g passata (tomato puree)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon yellow mustard</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6 hamburger buns or brioche rolls</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g butter for toasting buns</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

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🍞 Carbohydrates:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large oven-proof skillet or frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wooden spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. This will be used later for toasting the buns to add structure that helps contain the sloppy filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. The vegetables should become translucent but not browned, as this ensures they'll blend seamlessly into the sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly become bitter and affect the entire dish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. The beef should be broken into small, even crumbles for the ideal texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Leaving some fat behind adds flavor, but too much will make your Sloppy Joes greasy rather than saucy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add the passata, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. The tomato paste acts as both a thickener and flavor enhancer, while the brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be moist enough to be "sloppy." If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef stock.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>While the sauce simmers, prepare the buns. Split them in half and spread each cut side with a thin layer of butter. Place them buttered-side up on a baking tray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Toast the buns in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes until they're golden and crisp on the edges. This crucial step helps the buns stand up to the wet filling without becoming soggy too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once the meat mixture has reached the proper consistency and the buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bottom bun. The mixture should be hot and steaming when served.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Top with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately. For the authentic Sloppy Joe experience, provide plenty of napkins – these sandwiches live up to their name!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Sloppy Joes Recipe?

The classic Sloppy Joes recipe uses lean ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato puree, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, spices (paprika, garlic powder, oregano), salt, pepper, and burger buns topped with butter for toasting.

How to cook Sloppy Joes Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Sloppy Joes Recipe by sautéing onions and peppers until soft, adding garlic and ground beef until browned, then mixing in tomato puree, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes until thickened while toasting buttered buns in the oven. Spoon the hot mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately.

Can I make Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, Sloppy Joe filling reheats beautifully! Make the mixture a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the consistency, then serve on freshly toasted buns.

What are the best side dishes to serve with homemade Sloppy Joes?

Classic sides that pair perfectly with homemade Sloppy Joes include crispy chips, potato wedges, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a simple green salad. For a healthier option, roasted vegetables or a crunchy cucumber salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, tangy sandwich.

How can I make my Sloppy Joes mixture less runny?

To thicken Sloppy Joes, simmer the mixture uncovered for longer, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add 1-2 additional tablespoons of tomato paste for thickness or sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with water as a thickening agent. Avoid adding too much liquid when cooking.

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