Description

These classic Sloppy Joes are everything you want in a nostalgic, family-friendly dinner: saucy, sweet-savory, and piled high on toasted buns. Ground beef (or turkey) simmers with onions, peppers, and a tangy homemade sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s quick, budget-conscious comfort food that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns, split
Pickles and coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Butter or oil, for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if desired.
While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, lightly butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns if using. Toast them on a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat, or place them cut-side up under the broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden.
Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Top with pickles and coleslaw if using, then add the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (around 90% lean) or ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option with less grease to drain.
Simmering the mixture for the full 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and the sauce cling to the meat, so don’t rush this step.
If the mixture gets too thick, stir in a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it slightly.
If it’s too loose for your liking, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste before serving ketchup brands vary in sweetness, so you may want to adjust the brown sugar or mustard to balance the flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 loaded sandwich
Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
Sugar: 15 g (approx.)
Sodium: 780 mg (approx., varies by ketchup and Worcestershire sauce)
Fat: 14 g (approx.)
Saturated Fat: 5 g (approx.)
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
Carbohydrates: 34 g (approx.)
Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
Protein: 20 g (approx.)
Cholesterol: 60 mg (approx.)

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joes, easy ground beef dinner, weeknight sandwiches, homemade sloppy joe sauce