An open-faced Sloppy Joe sandwich on a white plate, photographed from above.

Sloppy Joes

Savory, sweet-and-tangy ground beef simmered in a tomato sauce and piled high on soft hamburger buns. The ultimate easy weeknight sandwich.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
Calories
430 kcal

Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add onion and green pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.

  3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, water, salt, and pepper.

  4. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  5. Toast the hamburger buns. Pile the saucy beef high on the bottom buns and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving, estimated.

Calories
430 kcal
Protein
24g
Carbs
38g
Fat
19g
Fiber
2g

Tips

  • Simmer long enough for the sauce to thicken so it clings to the bun instead of running off.
  • Toast the buns to help them hold the juicy filling.
  • A splash of vinegar at the end brightens the sweetness.

Variations

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a barbecue flavor.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar at the end for a cheesy version.
  • Use ground turkey for a lighter sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions