Description
This classic Sloppy Joes recipe features lean ground beef cooked with sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned with a blend of chili powder, paprika, and mustard, and simmered in a tangy tomato sauce mixture. Served warm on soft hamburger buns, this hearty sandwich is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor
- Water or broth, for thinning as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, homemade or bakery fresh
Instructions
- Heat and sauté: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, sauté until nearly tender, about 6 minutes. Move vegetables to one side of the pan.
- Brown the beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef and let it sear until browned on the bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn and begin breaking up the beef while tossing with the onions and peppers, continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Season and cook through: Drain excess fat from the beef mixture. Add minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook the beef mixture through, about 1 minute, tossing occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add sauces and simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and natural hickory smoke flavor. Reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Thin the mixture with splashes of water, beef broth, or chicken broth as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the warm Sloppy Joe mixture into hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef; avoid using super lean turkey to maintain flavor and moisture.
- Use corn syrup-free ketchup varieties like Simply Heinz or Trader Joe’s for a healthier option.
- Serve with sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, potato chips, pickle spears, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
