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Classic Sloppy Joes

A fast, kid-approved comfort food recipe featuring saucy ground beef served on toasted buns. Perfect for busy nights and loved by all ages.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Butter for toasting buns

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it up as it cooks and drain extra grease if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Mix well until combined. Let it simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Split the hamburger buns and toast them lightly in a skillet with butter for about 1 minute per side.
  5. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns, cover with the top bun, and serve immediately with napkins.

Notes

You can customize this dish with cheese, extra spice, or different buns. It reheats well and can be frozen for up to three months. Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as alternatives.