Description
Hearty Homemade Sloppy Joe sandwiches bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Messy, flavorful meat nestled between toasted buns promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) finely chopped onion
- 8 ounces (227 grams) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) onion powder
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef until evenly browned, stirring periodically. Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasiness.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the skillet. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent splattering. Sauce should thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Return browned beef to the skillet, mixing completely with sauce. Ensure every meat piece is evenly coated and heated through.
- Prepare hamburger buns by spreading softened butter on inner surfaces and toasting until golden brown in a griddle pan or skillet.
- Spoon meat mixture generously onto toasted bun bottoms, cover with top halves, and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still delivers big flavor.
- Enhance the sauce’s depth by adding a splash of dark beer or a pinch of smoked paprika for an unexpected flavor twist.
- Control the spice level easily by adjusting the amount of black pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce for those who love extra kick.
- Make ahead and store the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and creating a quick meal option for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 43
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 131 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg