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Classic Comfort Sloppy Joes Recipe

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A nostalgic, easy homemade sloppy joe recipe featuring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (6 fl oz / 180 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 to 6 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions

  1. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon until no pink remains and beef is browned but not burnt.
  2. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, with onion translucent and pepper slightly tender.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Mix in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. While the meat simmers, toast your buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or use a toaster.
  9. To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

Drain excess fat to avoid greasy sandwiches. Use medium-high heat to brown beef well. Simmer sauce low and slow for thick, sticky texture. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Adjust sweetness and tanginess gradually. Add water or beef broth if sauce is too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joe recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef sandwich, nostalgic recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-comfort-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-homemade-sloppy-joe-recipe-for-nostalgic-flavor/