How to Make Sloppy Joes at Home | Easy Classic Sloppy Joe Recipe

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add 2 lbs of ground beef to the hot pan and break it up with a spoon, cooking until browned all over.

Drain most of the excess fat from the beef, leaving a little in the pan.

Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef.

Cook the vegetables together, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent and the bell pepper is tender.

Turn the heat down to low and add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.

Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Optionally, let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes for richer flavor and darker sauce.

Prepare the buns by toasting them, either by buttering the insides and toasting in a separate pan or broiling them for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning.

Assemble the sloppy joes by taking a generous scoop of the meat mixture and piling it onto the bottom bun.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: