Classic Sloppy Joes Sandwich (Printable Version)

Ground beef in sweet-tangy tomato sauce on soft toasted buns

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio preferred

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

→ To Serve

15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles if desired, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it my go-to for nights when everyone's starving and patience is running thin.
  • The sauce strikes that perfect sweet-tangy balance that makes both kids and adults reach for seconds.
02 -
  • I once forgot to drain the fat and ended up with grease dripping down everyone's arms—drain that skillet or regret it forever.
  • Letting the sauce simmer for the full 10 minutes is non-negotiable, otherwise the flavors taste raw and separate instead of blended.
03 -
  • Don't be afraid to let your sauce get a little thicker than you think is necessary—those buns will soak up some liquid the second you pile it on.
  • Using a potato masher to break up the ground beef gives you that perfect fine texture that clings to the bun instead of falling off in big chunks.
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