Homemade Sloppy Joes

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often cheaper.

ketchup

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: store-brand ketchup

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar content.

hamburger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain provides more fiber.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar; mix well.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Toast hamburger buns lightly on a skillet or in a toaster.

Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.

Top with pickles and cover with the other half of the bun.

Serve immediately with chips or fries.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens