Print

Homemade Sloppy Joe’s Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 87 reviews

This classic Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe features tender, seasoned ground beef simmered in a smoky, tangy tomato sauce and served on toasted buttery hamburger buns. Perfectly balanced with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and mustard powder, this comforting sandwich is easy to prepare and ideal for a hearty meal at home.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 1 1/4 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 (14-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Frank’s), or to taste

Buns

  • Hamburger buns
  • Butter (for spreading on buns)

Instructions

  1. Tenderize the Beef: In a medium bowl, mash the ground beef with the baking soda using your hands. Let it sit on the counter for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the beef to tenderize and develop better texture.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle to prepare for toasting the buns later.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and chopped garlic. Cook while stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. Cook the Beef and Season: Add the tenderized ground beef to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and dry mustard. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s mostly browned, approximately 3 minutes.
  5. Add Tomato and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  6. Toast the Buns: Meanwhile, butter the insides of the hamburger buns and place them butter side up on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven until warmed through and lightly crispy, roughly 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Taste the sloppy Joe meat mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. For a sweeter taste, add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar if desired. Spoon the meat mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

  • The baking soda helps tenderize the beef and improve texture.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter Sloppy Joe.
  • The meat mixture can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Butter the buns before toasting for added flavor and crispness.
  • Adjust hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/homemade-sloppy-joes-recipe/