When it comes to nostalgic comfort food, Sloppy Joes are a timeless favorite. This version takes the classic to a new level with a rich, savory homemade sauce, tender ground beef, and a toasted bun to hold it all together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 45 minutes
- Made from scratch: No store-bought sauce here — just rich, smoky goodness
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Versatile: Serve on buns, over baked potatoes, or with rice
Ingredients:
- 1¼ pounds 90% lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)
- 4 to 6 hamburger or brioche buns, for serving
- Optional: Cheese slices (cheddar, American, or provolone)
Instructions:
Step 1: Tenderize the Beef
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with baking soda and let sit at room temperature for 20–25 minutes. This step helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Increase heat to medium-high. Add the beef to the skillet along with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and dry mustard.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns.
Step 4: Add Tomato Elements
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Then add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter the inside of each bun and place them butter-side up on a baking sheet.
Toast for about 5 minutes, until golden and warm.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Taste the meat mixture and adjust seasoning. Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar if you like a slightly sweet finish.
Spoon the meat onto each toasted bun. Add a slice of cheese if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Cheese it up: Add a slice of cheddar or provolone for extra richness
- Make it spicy: Increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Serve creatively: Try the meat over rice, mashed potatoes, or stuffed into bell peppers
- Storage: Refrigerate meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
These Homemade Sloppy Joes are saucy, savory, and irresistibly good. They’re sure to bring smiles to the table — no matter your age.
Happy cooking!