Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory and smoky ground beef mixture loaded with bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce served warm on fresh hamburger buns. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor
- Water or broth, as needed for thinning
- 4 hamburger buns, homemade or bakery fresh
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper, then sauté until they are nearly tender, about 6 minutes. Push them to one side of the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and let it sear undisturbed until browned on the bottom, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn and break up the beef while mixing with the vegetables, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Season the Beef: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beef mixture for about 1 minute, tossing occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and natural hickory smoke flavor. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently until heated through, about 2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, thin it by adding small splashes of water, beef broth, or chicken broth as needed.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is preferred, but sweet paprika can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding broth or water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Hamburger buns can be toasted lightly for extra texture and flavor.
- For a twist, try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
