Go Back
+ servings
Close-up of a delicious Homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich on a soft bun, filled with savory ground meat and peppers.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

This recipe for Homemade Sloppy Joes is a quick and easy family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a classic comfort food with a flavorful, homemade sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 498

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef 85 or 90% lean
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water plus more if needed
  • 4 hamburger buns

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Griddle

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pan to medium heat with the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook the beef until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the salt, chili powder, and hot red pepper flakes.
  3. Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  4. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat.
  5. Taste the sloppy joes and add more salt and pepper if needed. Once you are happy with the flavor, turn the heat to low.
  6. Heat a pan or griddle to medium heat with a little olive oil. Place the hamburger buns cut-side down in the pan and cook until browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Divide the beef mixture onto the 4 buns and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcalCarbohydrates: 47.2gProtein: 40.7gFat: 16.3gSaturated Fat: 3.7gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1241mgPotassium: 706mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19.3gCalcium: 81mgIron: 24mg

Notes

This recipe makes 4 large or 6 moderate-sized sandwiches. If the sauce seems too dry, add 1-2 ounces of water to loosen it. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!