Description
Classic sloppy joes bring hearty comfort to midwestern dinner tables with ground beef, tangy sauce, and toasted buns. Hungry diners will savor this simple, satisfying meal that delivers rich flavor in every messy, delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook ground beef until no pink remains, carefully draining accumulated fat.
- Introduce finely diced onions and green bell peppers into the skillet, sautéing for approximately 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring consistently to blend flavors.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 8-10 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and enable sauce to thicken and develop rich, concentrated flavors.
- Once sauce reaches desired consistency and meat is thoroughly coated, remove from heat and generously portion the savory mixture onto soft hamburger buns.
- Serve immediately while the sloppy joe filling remains warm and sauce is at its most flavorful peak.
Notes
- Lean meat alternative works perfectly for those watching fat intake; try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting beef with crumbled plant-based protein or lentils for a protein-packed alternative.
- Control spice levels by adjusting seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to find your perfect flavor balance.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure consistent texture and taste throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg