Description

This Old-School Sloppy Joes recipe features a classic, flavorful ground beef mixture simmered with onions, green bell pepper, and a tangy sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Perfectly served on toasted hamburger buns, this hearty sandwich is a nostalgic favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

4 hamburger buns

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors into the beef mixture.
Simmer Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting the seasoning for balanced flavor.
Serve: Optionally toast the hamburger buns until golden brown. Pile the warm sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Notes

You can add a little bit of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier sloppy joe.
For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
Toasting the buns adds a nice texture contrast but is optional.