1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef; cook until browned (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat.
Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
Cook 10–15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich.
3. Toast the Buns
Lightly butter cut sides of buns. Toast in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
4. Assemble & Serve
Spoon warm filling onto bottom buns. Top with extras if desired.
Serve immediately with:
Crispy french fries or tater tots
Dill pickle spears
Simple coleslaw
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Bun-free: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or baked sweet potatoes
🌶️ Spicy twist: Add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the filling
🧀 Extra indulgence: Melt a slice of cheddar or pepper jack on top
🥗 Balanced plate: Pair with a crisp green salad
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days—flavor deepens overnight!
Freeze: Filling freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
Reheat: Gently on stove with a splash of water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles—simmer same way.
Q: Gluten-free?
A: Use GF buns and check Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins is GF).
Q: Filling too runny?
A: Simmer longer uncovered—or mix 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water, stir in.
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
A: Yes! Add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.
❤️ The Heart of the Dish
Homemade Sloppy Joes aren’t fancy—but they’re honest, satisfying, and full of soul. They’re what you make when you want to feed people well without fuss, or when you need a meal that says, “Dig in—it’s gonna be good.”
So brown that beef, simmer that sauce, and pile it high. Because the best meals aren’t neat—they’re messy, meaty, and made with love.
“Good food doesn’t need a fork—it just needs beef, buns, and someone hungry.
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