Description
Classic Sloppy Joes featuring a savory mix of lean ground beef, bell peppers, and a smoky tomato sauce, served warm inside fresh hamburger buns. A perfect quick and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (corn syrup-free recommended)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor
- Water or broth (beef or chicken) for thinning as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, homemade or bakery fresh
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and heat oil: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper, sauté until nearly tender, about 6 minutes. Move vegetables to one far side of the pan.
- Cook ground beef: Crumble the ground beef into the empty side of the skillet and let it sear and brown on the bottom for 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn the beef and start to break it up, tossing it with the peppers and onions. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Drain fat and season: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook the beef mixture through about 1 minute, tossing occasionally for even seasoning.
- Add sauces and simmer: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and natural hickory smoke flavor. Reduce heat and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, thin it with splashes of water, beef broth, or chicken broth as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the warm sloppy joe mixture inside the hamburger buns immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef, but avoid very lean varieties for best flavor and moisture.
- Use corn syrup-free ketchup brands like Simply Heinz or Trader Joe’s for a cleaner taste.
- Pair sloppy joes with sides such as grilled corn, coleslaw, potato chips, pickle spears, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
