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Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Classic homemade sloppy joes simmer ground beef with ketchup, tomato sauce, and seasonings until the filling is thick and savory. Serve the saucy mixture on hamburger buns for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion medium, finely diced
  • 0.5 green bell pepper medium, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

  1. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, for 6–8 minutes until browned and it reaches 160°F.
  2. Carefully drain excess fat.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  8. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve.

Notes

For the thickest filling, let the sauce simmer until it visibly coats the beef. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Ground turkey can replace the beef for a leaner option.