Easy Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes should taste sweet, tangy, savory, and deeply beefy. This homemade version gets its depth from properly browned beef, toasted tomato paste, and a balance of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large onion very finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper very finely chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic 3 large cloves
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp cayenne optional
- ½ cup water plus more as needed
For Serving
- 6 soft hamburger buns lightly toasted
- dill pickles optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat for several minutes until shimmering hot.
- Add the beef, salt and pepper and break it up but let it brown deeply on the bottom before stirring (you want actual caramelization, not gray meat).
- Add onion and bell pepper. The beef should be browned but doesn't have to be cooked through. Cook until onion and pepper are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, and stir through. Let the tomato paste and ketchup cook and darken, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is key to rich flavor and color.
- Add Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, cayenne and water and stir through. If you like the mixture looser, add another 2 tbsp water.
- Taste and adjust salt to taste. Serve on lightly toasted buns with dill pickles if desired.