Description
Classic Sloppy Joes made with lean ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a smoky, tangy tomato-based sauce, served warm on fresh hamburger buns. This hearty sandwich is perfect for an easy and satisfying meal.
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
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor
- Water or broth, for thinning as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, homemade or bakery fresh
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until nearly tender, about 6 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
- Sear and Brown Beef: Crumble in the ground beef and let it sear until browned on the bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn the beef, break it up, and toss it with the peppers and onions. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Drain Fat and Add Seasonings: Drain the fat from the beef. Add minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, tossing occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and natural hickory smoke flavor. Reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Thin the mixture with splashes of water or beef/chicken broth as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve Warm: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef but avoid using very lean turkey to maintain moisture.
- Use a corn syrup-free ketchup such as Simply Heinz or Trader Joe's for a cleaner flavor.
- Serve with sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, potato chips, pickle spears, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
