Dinner

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByHarper Ellington December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Introduction

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that’s quick and easy to make. This homemade version features a savory, tangy sauce with ground beef and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with two soft, golden brown sandwich buns, top and bottom. Between the buns, there is a thick layer of rich, chunky ground meat slathered in a deep red, glossy tomato sauce that looks juicy and well-cooked. The sandwich sits on a wooden surface with an out-of-focus background that hints at more food. The texture of the bun is slightly fluffy with small sesame seed dots on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until fully browned with no pink spots remaining, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Lower the heat and stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend the flavors into a rich, thick sauce.
Step 4: Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
Step 5: While the sauce simmers, toast the hamburger buns lightly to prevent sogginess and add texture.
Step 6: Spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture onto each toasted bun and serve immediately for a messy, satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use whole wheat buns or sandwich thins for a healthier twist.
Add finely chopped mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables for added texture and depth.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toast fresh buns before serving to maintain texture.