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Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.2 from 52 reviews

These homemade sloppy joes feature a rich and hearty beef mixture simmered in a tangy, smoky sauce made from scratch. Bursting with flavor, this recipe combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices to create the ultimate sloppy joe filling perfect for serving on hamburger buns for a quick and satisfying dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, 90/10
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ cups beef stock
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
  4. Deglaze with beef stock: Pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate deep flavor into the sauce.
  5. Add sauces and seasoning: Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Simmer until thickened: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together, about 15-20 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease but retain flavor.
  • For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke.
  • If you prefer a spicier sloppy joe, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add hot sauce to taste.
  • This mixture pairs well with classic hamburger buns or slider rolls for smaller portions.
  • Leftovers can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can also freeze the cooked mixture for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American