Beef Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Printable)
Ground beef simmered in tomato sauce served on toasted buns with optional toppings.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Main
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Serving
14 - 4 hamburger buns, split
15 - 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
16 - Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheese
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, then add tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded together.
05 - While the beef mixture simmers, melt butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place the buns cut side down and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes.
06 - Generously spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Add optional pickles or shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one skillet in under 35 minutes, which means less cleanup and more time at the table
- The sweet and tangy sauce hits that perfect nostalgic flavor while feeling fresh and homemade
02 -
- Draining the excess fat after browning the beef keeps the sauce from becoming greasy but leave about a tablespoon for flavor
- The mixture thickens as it cools slightly, so don't panic if it looks a little loose in the pan
03 -
- Mince your vegetables really finely so they almost disappear into the sauce, which is perfect for picky eaters
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as brands of ketchup and mustard vary wildly in sweetness