Sloppy Joes Classic Sandwich (Print Version)

A savory sandwich featuring tender beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce on soft buns.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 240 ml tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)

→ To Serve

15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef while breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
02 - Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder until evenly incorporated.
04 - Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors develop.
05 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of toasted buns. Add pickle slices if desired, then cover with the top halves. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in thirty minutes flat, which means dinner is on the table before anyone starts asking what's for dinner.
  • The sauce has just the right balance of sweet and savory, tangy enough to be interesting but never overwhelming.
  • Everyone goes back for seconds, and somehow the messy eating becomes part of the charm.
02 -
  • If you skip draining the beef after browning and the sauce comes out soupy, you can simmer it longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up, but it's easier to just do it right the first time.
  • Tasting as you go matters—the sauce components all work together, so if something feels off, adjust the one thing that seems wrong instead of dumping everything in and hoping.
03 -
  • Toast your buns lightly while the sauce finishes—it prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a subtle texture that elevates the whole thing.
  • If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, a splash of beef broth or water brings it back to the right consistency without diluting the flavor.
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