Description
A classic American sandwich featuring savory ground beef or turkey simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. This homemade sloppy joe recipe balances flavors with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, combining all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add a splash of water if too thick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful sandwich!
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a healthier alternative to beef.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar.
- Optional bell pepper adds extra texture and nutrients.
- You can toast the hamburger buns for added crunch.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
