Beef Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef in rich tomato sauce served hot on toasted buns for an easy, hearty meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat & Main

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

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

→ Sauce

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Serving

14 - 4 hamburger buns, split
15 - 1 tablespoon butter for toasting buns
16 - Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheese

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
05 - While the beef simmers, melt butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place buns cut side down and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
06 - Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Top with optional pickles or shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The sauce hits that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
  • Ready in under forty minutes even on your most chaotic weeknights
02 -
  • Drain the fat after browning the beef or you will end up with greasy sauce that separates.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools so do not overcook it or you will end up with paste.
  • Toasted buns are the difference between a good sloppy joe and a great one.
03 -
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the whole sauce if it feels too sweet.
  • A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper wakes up all the other flavors without making it spicy.

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