Name: Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 00:15:00
Cook time: 00:20:00
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium yellow onion; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 medium green bell pepper; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 6 hamburger buns

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

AmericanBeefStovetopDinnerWeeknightNone

Sloppy Joes are a beloved American comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef with a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, all served on a soft hamburger bun. This homemade version skips the canned sauce for a fresher, more flavorful approach that's still quick enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of savory meat, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly balanced sauce creates a meal that's nostalgic yet impressive.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Serves

6 servings

Difficulty

easy

Recipe Assistant

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Ingredients

Techniques: sautéing, simmering, reducing

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef's knife

This classic sloppy joe recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The key to great sloppy joes is balancing the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors while achieving the perfect sauce consistency - not too dry and not too runny. Follow these steps for a homemade version that's miles better than anything from a can.

Sloppy joes can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. The flavor often improves after a day in the refrigerator as the ingredients have time to meld. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems too dry.

Important Allergy Notice: While we strive to provide accurate ingredient information, please be aware that our recipes may contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, and fish. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have any food allergies before preparing any recipe from this site.

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Recipe Assistant

Ingredients

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

Step 1: Break the beef into small, even pieces for the best texture.

Step 2: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy sauce while keeping some for flavor.

Step 3: The vegetables should be diced small so they incorporate well into the sauce.

Step 4: Garlic burns quickly, so add it after the other vegetables have softened.

Step 5: Each sauce component adds a different flavor note to create a balanced sauce.

Step 6: The sauce should coat the meat but still be moist - not too dry or too runny.

Step 7: The perfect sloppy joe balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Step 8: Toasting the buns helps them hold up better to the saucy filling.