Description
Hearty sloppy joes embody classic American comfort cuisine with robust ground beef and tangy tomato sauce. Meat lovers savor this simple one-skillet meal that delivers maximum flavor without complicated preparation steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, adds sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds slight sweetness)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and richness)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon) (adds tanginess)
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4–6 hamburger buns (toasted for extra flavor!)
- Melted butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the ground beef.
- Meat Browning: Crumble ground beef into the hot pan, stirring continuously to achieve an even, golden-brown caramelization while breaking down the meat into uniform pieces.
- Fat Management: Carefully drain excess fat if necessary, maintaining a lean and flavorful meat base that will serve as the foundation for the sloppy joe mixture.
- Vegetable Integration: Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the browned beef, allowing the aromatics to soften and release their intricate flavors while blending seamlessly with the meat.
- Flavor Development: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become translucent and the beef reaches a rich, deep color, creating a harmonious and robust filling for the sloppy joe sandwiches.
Notes
- Control Fat Content: Drain excess beef fat to keep the sloppy joes lighter and prevent a greasy texture. Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for healthier results.
- Perfect Meat Browning: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each meat piece gets a golden-brown crust. This technique develops deeper, richer flavors through proper caramelization.
- Vegetable Precision: Dice onions and peppers uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture. Smaller, even cuts help vegetables soften quickly and distribute flavor evenly.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, crumbled tofu, or impossible meat for vegetarian versions. Gluten-free buns can accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 47
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg