Homemade Sloppy Joes
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Easy Dinner
Cuisine
American
Servings
4
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional but ideal)
- ¾ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for depth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or 2 tsp regular sugar)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds richness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (balances sweetness)
- 4 burger buns, toasted
Directions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook 3–4 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced red onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lower heat to medium-low.
- Let it bubble gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Stir in vinegar at the end to brighten it.
- Spoon mixture over toasted buns. Serve with pickles or chips on the side.
Recipe Note
- If it’s tasting too sweet, add a splash more vinegar or a pinch of salt.
- If it’s too tangy, stir in 1 teaspoon of ketchup or a pinch more brown sugar.