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Homemade Sloppy Joe

Skillet of Homemade Sloppy Joe filling
Get ready to dive into a Homemade Sloppy Joe experience that’s juicy, rich, and oh-so nostalgic.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4

Ingredients

  • Recipe yields about 4 sandwiches; weight conversions included for convenience.
  • Oil 2 tablespoons
  • Helps sauté onions and garlic to bring out their flavors.
  • Lean Ground Beef 1 lb / ~450g
  • Classic protein choice that soaks up all the tangy sauce.
  • Yellow Onion 1 medium, diced
  • Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • Salt ½ teaspoon
  • Essential for amplifying savory flavors.
  • Black Pepper ½ teaspoon
  • Lends a mild heat to balance the sweetness.
  • Chili Powder ½ teaspoon
  • Gives a subtle smoky kick tying all flavors together.
  • Garlic 2 cloves, minced
  • Delivers rich robust aroma and taste.
  • Ketchup ½ cup / ~120g
  • Contributes sweet tanginess to the sauce.
  • Tomato Sauce 1 cup / ~240ml
  • Forms the saucy base coating every morsel of beef.
  • Brown Sugar 1 teaspoon
  • Adds a gentle layer of sweetness taming acidity.
  • Water ¼ cup / ~60ml
  • Thins out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
  • Hot Pepper Sauce ¼ teaspoon, optional
  • Spices things up if you prefer a little heat.
  • Hamburger Buns 4 or Slider Buns (8)
  • The perfect vessels for your sloppy filling.
  • Crispy buns awaiting filling

Instructions

  • Sauté Onions
  • Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it begins to soften.
  • Build Flavor
  • Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, letting them release their aromas for about a minute.
  • Brown the Beef
  • Crumble in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
  • Season & Sauce
  • Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Pour in ketchup, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to coat the beef.
  • Simmer to Perfection
  • Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes. If desired, add hot pepper sauce for an extra kick.
  • Assemble
  • Toast your buns until lightly golden. Spoon the sloppy mixture onto each bottom bun half, then cap it off with the top bun.
  • Serve & Enjoy
  • Dig into your Homemade Sloppy Joe with plenty of napkins on hand—this sandwich is meant to be messy!
  • The ultimate saucy spoonful

Notes

Spice Level: If you love spice, feel free to add more chili powder or hot sauce.
Healthier Protein: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Toppings: Pickles, sliced onions, or cheese can elevate these sandwiches even more.
Leftovers: This filling stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily in a skillet or microwave.
One taste of this Homemade Sloppy Joe and you’ll understand why it has remained a comfort-food staple for generations. The saucy, savory filling will have everyone gathering around the table with bright smiles. Embrace the messiness, and savor every delicious bite!