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Best Sloppy Joes

Best Sloppy Joes in 30 Minutes – Ultimate Comfort Food Fix

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A classic Sloppy Joes recipe with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, made with ground beef, onions, peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce.

  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard (or 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup (121 g) tomato paste
  • 34 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • ½ cup (118 ml) chicken broth, beef broth, or water
  • Burger buns for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and pepper and cook until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling as you cook. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Add spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, salt, and pepper) and stir into the beef.
  5. Add tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
  6. Drizzle in broth or water.
  7. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened (10-15 minutes).
  8. Serve warm on buns.

Notes

  • Use 90% lean ground beef for best texture.
  • Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess.
  • Make ahead and reheat for easy meals.
  • The name ‘Sloppy Joes’ comes from the messy, saucy nature of the sandwich.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg