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–+ servings
up close of Sloppy Joe recipe showing how juicy the meat is on a bun
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Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe (Simple!)

This Sloppy Joe recipe is lick-the-plate-scrumptious and a guaranteed most requested, repeat family and potluck favorite!  The hot, saucy, meaty filling is leveled up with seasonings and the perfect balance of sweet, punchy tanginess served on toasted brioche buns (no soggy sandwiches here!). This recipe is quick and easy to make, make-ahead friendly (just keep warm in the crockpot), customizable and 1000X better than anything from a can!  
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

Buns

  • 4 brioche buns
  • softened butter or mayonnaise (optional)

BEEF & SEASONINGS

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp EACH paprika, salt, pepper
  • 1/4 tsp EACH dried thyme, red pepper flakes

SAUCE

  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (crushed cube, granulated or base)

Instructions

  • TOAST BUNS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Split buns and lay them cut side up on a large baking tray (15×21). Lightly brush the cut sides with softened butter or mayonnaise (optional for crispier/more flavorful buns). Bake for 5 minutes to toast the buns. Meanwhile, proceed with the recipe:
  • COOK ONIONS & BEEF: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until almost browned; drain grease.
  • SAUTE BELL PEPPER: Add bell pepper, garlic and all beef seasonings. Cook for 3 minutes or until onions are softened.
  • ADD SAUCE INGREDIENTS: Stir in all Sauce ingredients. Note: We love this recipe boldly flavored. For milder meat sauce, start with 1 TBS Worcestershire and 1 TBS brown sugar and adjust to taste.
  • SIMMER: Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, but the mixture is still a little saucy, about 8-10 minutes.
  • SEASON TO TASTE: Add additional vinegar for tangier, sugar for sweeter.
  • ADD TO BUNS: Divide mixture between the toasted buns and dig in!

Video

Notes

 
  • To store:  Store the Sloppy Joe meat separate from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Freeze the meat and buns separately for up to 3 months. Let the meat thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • To reheat:  Rewarm the meat gently in a large skillet, stirring often. Add a splash of water if the filling seems dry.