Ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, piled high on toasted buns. A family favorite that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor — perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
15 oz can tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup*
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)*
For the Sloppy Joes:
1 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
1/2 tsp fine sea salt (to taste)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced (or 1/2 cup grated carrot)
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Add Veggies:
Stir in onion and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes until veggies soften and beef browns. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer with Sauce:
Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a light boil. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning and add water if you want it saucier.
Serve:
Spoon the savory filling onto toasted buns. Enjoy!
Tips to Perfect Your Sloppy Joes:
Add ketchup for balanced acidity and sweetness.
Adjust sweetness with brown sugar to your taste.
If too sweet, add a pinch of salt or apple cider vinegar.
If too tangy, add a little more brown sugar or ketchup.
Too thick? Add water. Too thin? Simmer a few more minutes to thicken.
Boost depth with extra Worcestershire sauce.
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