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A close-up, appetizing shot of a fully loaded Sloppy Joes sandwich on a soft bun, featuring saucy ground meat and green peppers.

Sloppy Joes (Fast & Saucy)

This recipe offers a quick and flavorful take on classic Sloppy Joes, perfect for busy weeknights. It features a homemade sauce that is both tangy and slightly sweet, served on toasted buns.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Bun Toasting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Calories: 392

Ingredients
  

For the Sloppy Joes
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ onion finely diced
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
  • cup water
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ green bell pepper finely diced
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • 10-inch skillet
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. In a 10-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, cook beef, onion, and garlic, breaking it up with a spoon until the meat is cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add water, tomato sauce, bell pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  4. While the sauce is simmering, preheat the oven to broil. Brush the inside of the hamburger buns with butter or olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or just until lightly browned.
  5. Spoon ½ cup meat mixture over the toasted buns and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 18gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 763mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 418IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This Sloppy Joe recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. It reheats well for meals throughout the week. To freeze, cool the mixture completely and place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

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