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Old-School Sloppy Joes
These classic Sloppy Joes are made with juicy ground beef, tender onions and peppers, and a rich, tangy homemade sauce. Served on soft toasted buns, they are an easy family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or nostalgic comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup water or beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
6 hamburger buns
Butter, for toasting the buns
Preparation Steps
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary, then add the diced onion and green bell pepper.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the water or beef broth and stir until everything is well combined.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick, rich, and saucy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.
Spoon a generous amount of the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bottom bun and cover with the top bun.
Serving Tip
Serve immediately with dill pickles, potato chips, French fries, or coleslaw for a complete old-fashioned comfort meal.♥
