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Easy American Sloppy Joe

Featured in Family Dinners.

Turn simple ingredients into a family favorite with this quick Sloppy Joe recipe. Browned beef, garlic, onions, and peppers mix with a sweet and tangy sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire. It’s ready fast—just 30 minutes—and can be spiced up with red pepper flakes or cayenne if you'd like. Serve the luscious mix on buns for a hearty, messy meal that both kids and adults crave.
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Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 20:38:38 GMT
A tasty sloppy joe burger on a wooden table. Pin it
A tasty sloppy joe burger on a wooden table. | tasteofmoms.com

That warm, familiar feeling of biting into a messy Sloppy Joe sandwich takes me back every time. I've played around with so many different versions until I finally cracked the code—it's all about getting that perfect mix of tangy tomato with just a touch of sweetness, while keeping that signature drippy texture. My family dinners and casual get-togethers have been the testing ground for what I now think is the best take on this American favorite.

When I dished these up at a backyard party last month, I couldn't help but smile watching everyone from little kids to grown-ups coming back for more. It showed me why this humble sandwich has stuck around for so many years.

Key Components

  • Ground Beef: Go with 80/20 for the tastiest results and best texture.
  • Yellow Onion: Cut it super small for natural sweetness and thickness.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Brings a nice fresh element to the mix.
  • Garlic: Always use real chopped cloves, not the dried stuff.
  • Ketchup: Creates that classic sweet-sour foundation.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds intense flavor and makes everything richer.
  • Brown Sugar: Just a bit cuts through the sour taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: The hidden ingredient that makes everything pop.
  • Dijon Mustard: Gives depth and extra tang.
  • Hamburger Buns: Give them a quick toast so they hold up better.
A delicious chili cheese burger with a bun on a plate. Pin it
A delicious chili cheese burger with a bun on a plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Getting The Meat Ready
Put a big skillet on medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up as you go. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it's not pink anymore. Pour off most of the fat, but keep about a tablespoon. Put the meat back in the pan.
Adding Veggies
Mix your tiny chopped onion pieces with the beef. Cook until they turn clear, around 3 minutes. Throw in your diced bell pepper and cook 2 more minutes. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for half a minute. Keep stirring so nothing burns.
Making Your Sauce
Stir in tomato paste until the meat is coated. Let it cook for a minute to get more flavor. Pour ketchup on top and mix well. Add your Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle brown sugar all over. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Letting It Bubble
Turn heat down to medium-low. Let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. The sauce should get a bit thicker. Add some water if it looks too thick. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.
Putting It Together
Spread some butter on your hamburger buns. Toast until they look golden. Put a big scoop of your meat mix on the bottom bun. Pop the top bun on. Eat right away.

My grandma always told me the secret to amazing Sloppy Joes was taking it slow while it simmers - that's when all the flavors really come together.

Extra Additions

Some folks like them plain, but sliced dill pickles, thin rings of white onion, or a piece of American cheese are great ways to make your sandwich your own.

What To Serve With It

These go great with potato chips, some creamy coleslaw, or a basic green salad. If you want that school cafeteria feeling, throw some tater tots on the side.

Prep Ahead Ideas

The meat mixture actually tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to mix. Just warm it up gently and put it on freshly toasted buns.

This Sloppy Joe has become my favorite comfort food when I need something satisfying. It works for casual hangouts or just regular weeknight meals. It shows that simple food, made with care and good stuff, creates the most enjoyable meals and best memories.

A delicious hamburger with a generous amount of meat and a variety of toppings, including peppers and onions, is served on a wooden table. Pin it
A delicious hamburger with a generous amount of meat and a variety of toppings, including peppers and onions, is served on a wooden table. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Where does the name Sloppy Joe come from?
It’s named for its untidy look—juicy meat often slips out of the bun and makes a mess while eating.
→ How can I make my Sloppy Joe thicker?
Keep simmering the mix until it’s thick enough to cling to a spoon, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
→ Is this okay to prepare in advance?
Sure is! Make the beef mixture ahead, and warm it up before serving.
→ What pairs well with Sloppy Joes?
Classic options include chips, fries, cole slaw, or a quick green salad.
→ Is turkey a good substitute for ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a slightly lighter choice that works beautifully.

American Sloppy Joe

A comforting dish with seasoned beef, a sweet tomato glaze, and toasted buns. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1½ pounds ground beef
02 ½ green bell pepper, diced
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 small onion, diced

→ Sauce Components

06 1 tablespoon dry mustard
07 ¾ cup ketchup
08 Salt and pepper to taste
09 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
10 15 ounces tomato sauce
11 Pepper flakes to taste (optional)
12 2 tablespoons brown sugar
13 1 pinch cayenne pepper

→ For Serving

14 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the olive oil in a big frying pan on medium. Throw in the onion and bell pepper until they start to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for a bit more, around half a minute. Scoop out the veggies and set aside for later.

Step 02

Toss the ground beef into the pan and use a spatula to break it into pieces. Cook until well browned. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed so it browns properly.

Step 03

Once the meat is ready, stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend everything together well.

Step 04

Add the cooked veggies back into the pan, give everything a good mix, and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up.

Step 05

Taste it and see if you’d like more salt, pepper, or heat. Toss in some pepper flakes if that’s your thing.

Step 06

Toast the burger buns, pile the meat mixture on top, and you’re good to go!

Notes

  1. If your pan’s small, cook the meat in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
  2. You’ll know the sauce is ready when it’s thick enough to stick to the back of a spoon.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet or fry pan
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Wooden spoon or another mixing tool
  • Toaster (for the buns)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Uses hamburger buns, which have gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~