Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving
- 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content and avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma and flavor into the mixture.
- Mix the Sauce: Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir all ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a hearty consistency perfect for sandwich filling.
- Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately. Optionally, pair with pickles, coleslaw, or potato chips for a classic diner-style meal.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more ketchup and brown sugar, or enhance tanginess with extra Worcestershire sauce and mustard.
- The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For parties, serve the filling on slider buns as bite-sized treats.
- Classic accompaniments include pickles, coleslaw, or potato chips to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sandwich / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
