Ultimate Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food—savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and deliciously messy. This classic American sandwich features seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, served generously on a soft hamburger bun.

Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or quick weeknight meals, Sloppy Joes are satisfying, nostalgic, and easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

• ½ medium onion, finely diced

• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¾ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup water (or beef broth)

• 4 hamburger buns

• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers (if using) and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

2. Brown the beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess grease for a less greasy sandwich base.

3. Build the sauce

Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the water or broth to loosen the mixture and stir well to combine.

4. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—more sugar for sweetness or a dash of vinegar for extra tang.

5. Toast the buns (optional)

For a sturdier sandwich, lightly toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. This helps prevent sogginess and adds a pleasant crunch.

6. Assemble and serve

Spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickles or cheese if desired, and cap with the other half of the bun. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious mess.

Cooking Tips

• Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best to reduce excess grease while still delivering flavor.

• Balance is key—taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness or tanginess depending on your preferences.

• Make it ahead: The filling can be made in advance and reheated before serving. It also freezes well, so consider doubling the batch and freezing half for a future meal.

• Add veggies: Sneak in finely chopped carrots or mushrooms to boost nutrition and add more body to the sauce.

• Use hearty buns like brioche or potato rolls that can stand up to the saucy filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with classic sides like:

  • Potato chips or fries

  • Coleslaw or potato salad

  • Pickles or a dill pickle spear

  • Corn on the cob or baked beans

  • A simple garden salad to lighten things up

• For variation:

  • Add a slice of cheddar or provolone on top of the meat before closing the bun

  • Spoon the mixture over baked potatoes or rice for a Sloppy Joe bowl

  • Use slider buns for party-friendly mini sandwiches

This homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is proof that a simple dish can still be packed with flavor and comfort.