Best Ever Sloppy Joes Recipe
Introduction
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This best-ever recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich, tangy tomato sauce and a medley of vegetables to create a deliciously messy sandwich everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced carrots (can substitute chopped bell pepper)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or 1 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, puréed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 turns of freshly ground black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced carrots and sauté for 5 minutes. If using bell pepper instead of carrots, add it along with the onions.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion and celery to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 5 more minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside in a medium bowl.
- Step 4: Using the same pan, crumble the ground beef into the pan. If using extra lean beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
- Step 5: Let the beef cook undisturbed until well browned on one side, then flip and brown the other side. If cooking in batches, remove browned beef with a slotted spoon and repeat until all beef is cooked. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.
- Step 6: Return the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables to the pan. Break up any large chunks of beef with a wooden spoon.
- Step 7: Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Add ground cloves, thyme, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 8: Lower heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 9: Serve the sloppy Joe mixture hot on toasted hamburger buns. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a few minutes longer to reduce excess liquid.
- Switch up the veggies by using finely chopped bell peppers instead of carrots for a sweeter taste.
- To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Storage
Store leftover sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Hamburger buns are best toasted fresh, but can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for a day or two.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy Joe mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving on buns.
What can I serve with sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes pair well with simple sides like coleslaw, potato chips, pickles, or a green salad for a balanced meal.
Print
Best Ever Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Ever Sloppy Joes recipe offers a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic American comfort food. Ground beef is cooked with a savory medley of sautéed vegetables and simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with hints of Worcestershire, vinegar, and spices. Served hot on toasted hamburger buns, this dish delivers perfect messy, saucy satisfaction for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced carrots (can substitute chopped bell pepper)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or 1 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, puréed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 turns freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced carrots and cook for 5 minutes. (If using bell peppers instead of carrots, add them simultaneously with the onions.) Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent, about 5 more minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside in a medium bowl.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pan, crumble the ground beef. If using extra lean beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Sprinkle salt over the meat. Let the beef cook undisturbed to brown on one side, then flip to brown the other side. If cooking in batches, remove each batch with a slotted spoon to the bowl with vegetables. When all beef is cooked, drain excess fat leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables to the pan. Break up any large chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Season with ground cloves, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the Sloppy Joes: Serve the hot sloppy joe mixture immediately on toasted hamburger buns. Alternatively, refrigerate to make ahead and gently reheat before serving.
Notes
- Bell peppers can be used in place of carrots for a different flavor profile.
- Extra lean beef may require added olive oil to prevent drying out during browning.
- Toasting the hamburger buns adds a nice texture contrast to the soft, saucy meat.
- Sloppy joes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Ground Beef Sandwich, Comfort Food, American Recipe, Easy Dinner
