Sloppy Joes with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

Sloppy Joes with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce are a timeless comfort-food classic that brings back memories of family dinners, casual gatherings, and easy weeknight meals. This iconic sandwich features savory ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, piled generously onto soft burger buns. It’s messy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—exactly what comfort food should be.

What makes Sloppy Joes so special is their simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can create a meal that’s bold in flavor and loved by both kids and adults. The sauce is slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly seasoned, coating every bite of tender beef.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Sloppy Joe recipe because it’s easy, hearty, and nostalgic. It’s one of those meals that feels fun to eat and comforting at the same time. The homemade sauce adds depth and richness, and the recipe is flexible enough to adjust sweetness, spice, or thickness to personal taste.

It’s also perfect for busy days—quick to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• A classic American comfort food
• Quick and easy for weeknight dinners
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Great for meal prep and freezing

If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and low on effort, Sloppy Joes are a must-try.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approx. 420 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

For Serving

• 6 hamburger buns
• Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened
2. Brown ground beef and drain excess fat
3. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, ketchup, and seasonings
4. Simmer until thick and flavorful
5. Spoon onto toasted buns and serve

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes. Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors develop.

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional)

Lightly butter hamburger buns and toast in a pan or oven until golden.

Step 7: Assemble

Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom buns. Cover with top buns and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns
• Pair with French fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw
• Add pickles or sliced cheese for extra flavor
• Serve open-faced for a less messy option

Recipe Tips

• Drain excess fat to prevent greasy sandwiches
• Simmer longer for thicker, richer sauce
• Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste
• Toast buns to prevent sogginess
• Double the recipe for parties or leftovers

Variations

Cheesy Sloppy Joes

Add shredded cheddar or American cheese on top of the beef before closing the bun.

Spicy Sloppy Joes

Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for heat.

BBQ Sloppy Joes

Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Use lentils, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

Store Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze filling (without buns) for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if thickened.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Sloppy Joes with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce are a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that never goes out of style. With their rich, savory sauce and hearty filling, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave classic comfort food.