SaveSloppy Joes
Sweet, tangy, messy ground beef on toasted buns. Skip the can — homemade is 10x better.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $10.00 · $1.67/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef (85/15)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 pieces hamburger buns
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
1 1/2 lb ground beef - 2
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
1 medium yellow onion1 small green bell pepper3 cloves garlic - 3
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, and salt. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
8 oz tomato sauce1/3 cup ketchup1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp brown sugar1 tbsp yellow mustard1 tbsp apple cider vinegar1 tsp chili powder1/2 tsp salt - 4
Toast hamburger buns lightly. Spoon sloppy joe mixture generously onto bottom buns. Serve with plenty of napkins.
6 pieces hamburger buns
Pairs With
Jammy California Zinfandel
Bold fruit matches the sweet-tangy sauce
Sierra Nevada or similar APA
Hoppy bitterness cuts through the sweetness
Root beer with vanilla ice cream
Nostalgic American combo, sweet and fun
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Easy-going rock, country, and the kind of music that pairs with burgers and cold beer.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Simmer longer for a thicker, more intense sauce.
- •Toast the buns well — it helps prevent soggy bottoms.
Substitutions
- ground beef → ground turkey for lighter version
- hamburger buns → brioche buns or slider rolls
- ketchup → tomato paste + honey
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
