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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes Classic Comfort in Under 30 Minutes

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

Czarryy
A timeless family favorite made with savory ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy, tomato-based sauce. These easy, from-scratch Sloppy Joes come together in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Sandwich
Cuisine American Comfort Food
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large high-sided skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1½ pounds ground beef (80% lean or higher)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
  • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce
  • 4–6 hamburger buns
  • 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and green pepper. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
  • Brown the Beef
    Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook 5–6 minutes, or until browned throughout. Carefully drain any excess fat, taking care to avoid drips if using a gas stove.
  • Add the Sauce Ingredients
    Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili-garlic sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  • Simmer to Thicken
    Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and heated through.
  • Toast the Buns
    While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven broiler to high. Arrange the split buns on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and broil 2–3 minutes until golden brown, rotating once for even toasting.
  • Assemble & Serve
    Spoon the hot meat mixture over the bottom half of each toasted bun. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Make ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day — perfect for leftovers.
  • Customize spice level: Add extra chili-garlic sauce or a dash of cayenne for heat.
  • Lean alternative: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Sweetness control: Adjust brown sugar based on personal preference or the acidity of your tomato sauce.
  • Serving twist: Serve over baked potatoes, rice, or toasted sourdough for a fun variation.
Keyword comfort food, family dinner, ground beef sandwich, homemade sloppy joes, quick weeknight meal