Homemade Sloppy Joe’s are an easy, filling quick dinner for any weeknight!
Homemade Sloppy Joe’s are a great weeknight dinner for a family of two or ten! This recipe has all natural ingredients, as opposed to The Canned Sloppy Joe sauce…no additives, preservatives or high-fructose-corn-syrup. 
First, you’ll saute onions and bell peppers in a bit of olive oil. At the same time, brown ground beef in another skillet. Drain the ground beef in a colander and add it to the onion/pepper mixture.
Next, add seasonings, broth, spices to the mixture and allow it to cook a bit–so the flavors can meld together. Do a taste test for salt and pepper. Put a lid on it, on low heat and warm your buns!
How Much Meat Do I Use Per Bun foe Homemade Sloppy Joe’s?
Generally speaking, about 4 oz., or 1/2 a cup of meat sauce is plenty… remember, they’re called “sloppy joe’s” for a reason… so the sauce will run out a bit, but that’s what makes it so yummy.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner meat, so you may need to increase your broth in order to ensure a truly “sloppy” experience!
Can I Make the Meat Sauce In Advance?
Absolutely! Make it, freeze it in a safe container, then reheat on the stove top or microwave. If you reheat using a microwave, be sure to use microwave -safe containers.
How Could I Make This Vegan?
An excellent choice for vegans is Jackfruit. Jackfruit will naturally absorb the seasonings you mix it with, like mushrooms. Which reminds me, you could make this Sloppy Joe mix using the ingredients in my Veggie Burger.
My grandmother's recipe from 100 years ago still holds strong. Simple ingredients from your pantry and some ground meat can create a meal!
- 2 lbs. ground beef cooked and drained
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz. beef broth
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika smokey, not sweet
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 burger buns
- 4 oz. cheese optional
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In a large skillet on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil; add onions and bell peppers; cook till tender (about 10 minutes)
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In a second skillet, on medium high heat, brown ground beef; make sure beef is not pink AT ALL;
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Once beef is browned, drain it in a colander and add it to the onions/bell peppers
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Add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and mustard
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Combine well; if necessary, add more broth or water
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Turn heat to medium and cover; allow to cook for 15 minutes, until flavors have married
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Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasonings accordingly
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Once buns are browned, place beef mixture on buns and top with cheese (optional)
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Turn on oven to 500ºF, or broil setting
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Lightly butter buns and place on baking sheet under broiler
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Once buns are lightly toasted, remove from oven and set aside
