All Grown Up Sloppy Joes (40-45 Minutes)

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Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food, and this version takes them to the next level with rich, savory flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

The ultimate sloppy joes feature ground beef simmered in a robust sauce made with tomato sauce, ketchup, and a blend of spices, all served on soft, toasted buns.

These sloppy joes are ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something delicious and satisfying!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the sloppy joes:
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1/4 cup water (optional, if needed to adjust consistency)
For serving:
  • 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Optional: sliced pickles, cheese slices, coleslaw, or any of your favorite toppings

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef (10 minutes):
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  2. Add the vegetables (5 minutes):
    • Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate the canned tomatoes (5 minutes):
    • Pour in the undrained canned tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Make the sauce (10 minutes):
    • Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
    • If the mixture seems too thick, add up to 1/4 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Simmer the sloppy joes (15-20 minutes):
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Assemble the sloppy joes (5 minutes):
    • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Add any desired toppings like pickles, cheese slices, or coleslaw.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the sloppy joes hot, with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a salad.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit more Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture. The key to the ultimate sloppy joes is letting the sauce simmer long enough to develop a deep, rich flavor, so be patient and let it cook to perfection.

These sloppy joes are sure to be a hit at your dinner table, offering the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make them truly irresistible. Enjoy making and sharing this classic dish with family and friends!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Pair this with...

Fried Pickles

Start by grabbing a jar of your favorite pickles and slice them into coin shapes. Get 'em on some paper towels to blot out the excess moisture – the drier, the crispier they'll get. In one bowl, whisk up some eggs, and in another, mix together flour or breadcrumbs with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling spicy. Dip each pickle coin into the egg, then into the dry mix, making sure it's well coated. Heat some oil in a skillet until it's shimmering but not smoking. Carefully slide those coated pickles in and fry until they're golden and crispy. It's usually quick, so keep an eye out! Scoop them out, let them rest on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil, and serve with a dipping sauce.

Vinegar Cole Slaw

Start by thinly slicing or shredding a head of purple cabbage. Toss it in a bowl with some julienned carrots for a touch of sweetness and contrasting color. You can also throw in any additional veggies as desired. For the dressing, whisk together apple cider vinegar, a splash of olive oil, a pinch of sugar (or honey) to balance out the tartness, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of celery seed. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, giving everything a good toss to ensure every bite is coated. Let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.

Roasted Red and Yellow Beets

Begin by choosing fresh, firm beets, giving them a good scrub to remove any lingering dirt. Trim off the greens (save them for another dish!), and wrap each beet individually in foil. No need to peel them just yet. Place them on a baking tray and pop them into a preheated oven. As they roast, the beets transform, intensifying in flavor and becoming wonderfully tender. Once they're done, allow them to cool a bit, then use your hands or a paper towel to rub off the skin. It'll slide right off! Slice or dice, and marvel at the vibrant hue. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and perhaps a dash of balsamic vinegar.

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