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Classic Sloppy Joe

A nostalgic, saucy, and satisfying Classic Sloppy Joe made from scratch with lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and a sweet-tangy sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
  3. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about five minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
  6. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  7. Toast the hamburger buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until lightly crisp.
  8. Scoop a generous spoonful or two of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
  9. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding chopped green bell pepper, a splash of hot sauce, diced pickles, or grated cheddar cheese before simmering. The filling can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day. It also freezes well for easy future meals.