This delicious Sloppy Joes recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
One of the best things about this Sloppy Joe recipe is how easy it is to whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound lean ground beef: This is the base of your Sloppy Joes. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works great too!
0.25 cup chopped onion: Adds tons of flavor! You can use yellow, white, or even red if that’s what you have on hand.
0.25 cup chopped green bell pepper: This gives a nice crunch and sweetness. But again, feel free to switch this up, red or yellow bell peppers work well too!
0.75 cup ketchup: The true star of this dish, it’s what makes these Sloppy Joes sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious!
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a little to balance the acidity of the ketchup. Trust me; it makes a huge difference!
1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds depth! If you’re feeling adventurous, try spicy mustard for a kick.
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder: I know fresh garlic is king, but sometimes we need to keep it simple, right?
Salt and ground black pepper to taste: A couple pinches of each goes a long way!
6 hamburger buns, split: You can use classic burger buns, or even go for a whole-grain option to sneak in some extra fiber.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat Things Up: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. You know it’s ready when you can feel a nice warmth radiating from it.
Brown the Beef: Add your pound of lean ground beef into the hot skillet. Give it a stir to break it apart. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until you see a bit of fat starting to render. That’s when you’ll know it’s on its way to becoming super flavorful!
Add Your Veggies: Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Keep stirring occasionally, letting them soften, which should take about 3 to 5 more minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion is translucent and fragrant. Ah, that smell!
Time for the Sauce: Now, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. This is where the magic really begins! Sprinkle in a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
Let It Simmer: Turn down the heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir gently, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom to help everything meld together into that perfect Sloppy Joe mixture. You’re gonna love the way it looks when it’s all saucy and thick!
Serve It Up: Once it’s looking perfect, divide the meat mixture evenly among the split hamburger buns. And boom! You’ve got yourself a plateful of pure comfort food!
If you loved this Sloppy Joes recipe, be sure to check out my Taco Rice Bowl or my Birria Tacos!
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
These Sloppy Joes shine on their own, but you know what pairs really well? A simple side salad or some crispy baked fries! You could also throw together some coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast. Super easy and absolutely delicious.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any leftovers (which, good luck with that!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
When it comes time to reheat, just pop it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You could also microwave them, but I find the skillet method keeps that texture nice. Just make sure to cover it or add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Is It Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and it’ll keep well for about 2 to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Sloppy Joes Works
Quick & Easy
The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s right! A home-cooked meal ready to go in no time!
One Pot Wonder
Seriously, minimal cleanup is a huge bonus. Everything cooks in one skillet, less mess, more time for you to relax after dinner.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Ground beef can be swapped out for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Win-win!
Customizable
You can really make it your own! Add in some diced jalapeños for heat, or maybe some shredded cheese on top, or serve it on a different kind of bun. Honestly, the possibilities are endless!
Comfort Food at Its Best
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor, and the combination of sweet and savory is truly irresistible. It’s perfect for gathering around the dinner table after a long day!
There’s something special about gathering around the table for a meal, and this Sloppy Joes recipe helps make that happen in a snap. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing it to your family for the first time, it’s bound to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get your skillet ready and enjoy the deliciousness!
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Quick and Easy Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Sloppy Joes recipe comes together in about 30 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 0.25 cup chopped onion
- 0.25 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 0.75 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, split
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, and cook until the onion is translucent (about 3 to 5 minutes).
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring gently.
- Divide the meat mixture among the split hamburger buns and serve.
Notes
This dish can be customized with various toppings and is easily reheatable. Pair with a side salad or baked fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg