Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make? Homemade Sloppy Joes are the perfect choice!

Packed with savory flavors and a little bit of kick, these sloppy joes will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple to follow, making it a great go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joes

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/3 green bell pepper, minced
1/2 large yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Toasted buns, for serving

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef and cook it until browned. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the beef.

2. Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the minced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so, until fragrant. The garlic will add a wonderful aroma to the dish!

3. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are softened, add the cooked beef back into the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste and mix it well to combine.

Next, pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add in the red pepper flakes and hot sauce (optional). Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.

4. Simmer the Mixture

Now, let the sloppy joe mixture simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken to your desired consistency. You can adjust the cooking time based on whether you prefer a thicker or more saucy texture.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the mixture is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto toasted buns, and you’re all set to enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

Tips and Variations

Customize the Heat: If you like your sloppy joes spicier, feel free to add extra hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can reduce or skip these ingredients if you prefer a milder flavor.
Beef Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat options.
Toppings: Try adding extra toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw to take your sloppy joes to the next level.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Sloppy Joes

These homemade sloppy joes are everything you want in a comfort food meal: rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of savory ground beef, veggies, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s all served on toasted buns, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, these sloppy joes are sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a dish everyone will love.

Ready to Dig In?

Now that you know how to make these homemade sloppy joes, it’s time to get cooking! Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a delicious meal. Enjoy!