This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Homemade sloppy Joes are the messy, saucy throwback dinner you didn’t know you needed, but trust me, this easy weeknight meal pulls its weight.
This sloppy Joe sandwich ditches the premade mix and builds flavor with real ingredients like garlic, bell peppers, and smoky spices. If you’re into classics like Salisbury steak, this one’s definitely in your wheelhouse.
Here’s Why This Sloppy Joe Recipe Works
Layered flavor: A combo of tomato paste, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce gives depth without needing hours of simmering on the stove.
Real veggies, real texture: Bell peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch, not just filler.
No mystery ingredients: You can actually pronounce everything in here. It’s real food that you added it yourself.
One-pan simplicity: It’s a skillet dinner start to finish—less cleanup, more lounging.
If you love cozy one-pot meals like Crockpot Goulash, this recipe delivers that same hearty satisfaction
Recipe Tips
Use lean ground beef: It keeps the mixture rich without turning greasy.
Chop veggies small: Finely diced peppers and onions meld into the sauce instead of standing out awkwardly.
Simmer low and slow-ish: Let the sauce bubble gently so it thickens without drying out.
Toast those buns: Crisps the bun and keeps things from getting soggy and sad.
Use sturdy buns: Just like with a hot meatloaf sandwich, flimsy bread will fall apart under all that saucy goodness.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep buns separate until serving.
- Freeze: Cool the sloppy Joe sauce completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
If you like making comfort meals that reheat well, Tuna Pasta Casserole from Scratch is another weeknight winner worth trying.
Not Your Lunchroom Sloppy Joe
These homemade sloppy Joes are everything you want from a nostalgic comfort food—just way better than the stuff in a can. They’re quick, saucy, and satisfying enough to make everyone forget it’s just ground beef on a bun.
Pin this now to find it later!
Pin It
Sloppy Joe Recipe
If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ onion
- 1 bell pepper, diced, (I used ½ green and ½ yello)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a fork or spatula. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Stir in the chili powder, paprika, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and the water.
- Simmer the mixture on low for 15 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the mixture onto toasted buns.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
