Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

Name: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound 80/20 ground beef; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 medium green bell pepper (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ cup ketchup; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon canola oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 hamburger buns for serving

These Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes are so comforting and delicious! You can make this family favorite so quickly and there’s no need for canned sauce!

A TREASURED FAMILY RECIPE READY IN MINUTES

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes are the perfect way to make a satisfying meal with minimal effort! This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring basic pantry ingredients and little prep time, while your stovetop does most of the work. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this classic comfort food!

I’ve been making these Sloppy Joes since I was tall enough to reach the stove, and they never disappoint. There’s just something about that perfect balance of sweet and tangy sauce combined with savory ground beef that makes this dish irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that brings back childhood memories with every bite.

What makes this version special is that it comes from my family’s recipe collection, passed down through generations. While many recipes call for adding all sorts of extra ingredients, this one keeps it simple – letting the classic flavors shine through. The homemade sauce is what truly makes these Sloppy Joes outstanding, and it’s miles better than anything that comes from a can!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How can I make these Sloppy Joes less… sloppy?

f you prefer a thicker filling that stays put on your bun, you can simmer the mixture a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Another trick is to toast your buns lightly before adding the filling – this creates a barrier that prevents them from getting soggy too quickly.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles or even triples beautifully. Just use a larger pan and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at gatherings or sports events.

What sides go well with Sloppy Joes?

Classic sides include potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Dill pickles on the side (or right on top of your sandwich) add a nice crunch and acidity that balances the sweetness of the sauce. For a healthier option, steamed vegetables or a corn on the cob work great too!

Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes! The filling actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it up to 3 days ahead and reheat it when needed. This also makes it perfect for transferring to a slow cooker to keep warm for parties or tailgating.

My kids don’t like green peppers. Can I leave them out?

While the peppers add nice flavor and texture, you can certainly omit them if necessary. You might try finely grating them so they “disappear” into the sauce, or substitute with finely grated carrots for added nutrition without changing the flavor profile too much.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

ground beef – provides the hearty base for our Sloppy Joes. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The fat content helps keep the meat juicy and adds richness to the sauce.
onion – adds essential flavor and aroma. A small yellow or white onion works perfectly, and chopping it finely helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce.
green bell pepper – brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that complements the savory meat. Make sure to dice it finely so it cooks down and incorporates well into the mixture.
Worcestershire sauce – this pantry staple adds incredible depth and umami flavor that really elevates the sauce from basic to amazing.
sugar – just a touch balances the acidity of the ketchup and mustard, creating that perfect sweet-tangy sauce that makes Sloppy Joes so irresistible.
ketchup – forms the base of our sauce, providing thickness, sweetness, and that signature tomato flavor.
yellow mustard – adds tanginess and complexity to the sauce. Classic yellow mustard works best here – other varieties can overpower the balanced flavor we’re looking for.
oil – just a bit for sautéing the vegetables to bring out their best flavor before adding the meat.

HOW TO MAKE OLD FASHIONED SLOPPY JOES

Start by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper – keeping them small ensures they’ll cook quickly and integrate well into the sauce.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and peppers, and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for our Sloppy Joes.

Once the vegetables have softened, push them to the outer edges of the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. This higher heat is essential for properly browning the meat, which adds significant flavor to the final dish.

Add the ground beef to the center of the pan, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown on the bottom. This undisturbed cooking time allows the meat to develop a beautiful caramelization that adds depth of flavor.

Season the meat with a bit of salt and pepper, then flip it over and continue cooking. As the meat cooks, break it apart into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. You want relatively small, even pieces that will easily fit on a bun. Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink, about 2-3 more minutes.

Once the meat is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the sauce ingredients: ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together, combining the meat, vegetables, and sauce ingredients thoroughly.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the flavors to meld together while maintaining the bright, fresh taste of the sauce. If the mixture seems too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reach your desired consistency.

While the sauce simmers, toast your hamburger buns lightly if desired. This optional step prevents the buns from getting soggy too quickly once the filling is added.

Serve the Sloppy Joe filling generously on buns while still hot. For an extra touch, top with a slice of cheese, some dill pickle slices, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh onion for added crunch.

This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy!