MVP Sloppy Joes Classic (Printable Version)
Hearty ground beef and tangy tomato blend atop toasted buns for a flavorful American main dish.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasoning
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
14 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
15 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 cup water
→ Serving
17 - 4 burger buns, split
18 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat if using. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water. Mix well until fully incorporated.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a hearty consistency.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast, cut side down, until golden and crisp, 2–3 minutes.
06 - Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes it the kind of comfort food everyone actually agrees on
02 -
- Draining the beef after browning prevents the final sauce from being too greasy
- Letting the mixture simmer uncovered helps the sauce thicken properly
03 -
- Dice your vegetables very small so they practically disappear into the sauce
- Butter and toast the buns even if it feels like an extra step, it makes a huge difference