Description
This Best Damn Sloppy Joes recipe is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic American sandwich. Ground beef is cooked with diced onions and bell peppers, then simmered in a rich, tangy sauce made from ketchup, steak sauce, honey, and a blend of spices. Perfectly thickened and served on buns, these sloppy joes are a satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 sweet bell pepper, diced (red or green)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup steak sauce (A1)
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbs honey
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs yellow mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp each in cooking, plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the ketchup, steak sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, tomato paste, and water. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onions, and diced bell peppers. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (approximately ½ tsp each). Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove from heat. Serve hot on hamburger buns or your choice of bread for a classic sloppy joe experience.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85% lean) to balance flavor and minimize excess grease.
- Drain excess fat carefully after browning to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar for sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the sauce mixture.
- Serve with pickles, coleslaw, or your favorite side for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
