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Savory Sloppy Joes Recipe: Easy Homemade Sauce for Perfect Family Dinner

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This savory Sloppy Joes recipe features a rich, homemade sauce and hearty beef filling, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknights, potlucks, or game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4–6 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, coleslaw

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
  2. Measure out all sauce ingredients: ketchup, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  4. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir into the beef and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the meat and veggies.
  8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  9. While the meat simmers, split and toast the hamburger buns cut-side down in a hot skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (optional).
  10. Spoon a generous heap of Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bottom bun. Top with pickles, cheese, or other desired toppings, then cap with the other half of the bun.
  11. Serve hot, with plenty of napkins.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of Worcestershire and gluten-free buns. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for beef. Add hot sauce or jalapeño for extra heat. Filling can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day. Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months. Toasting buns helps prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, homemade sauce, family dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, comfort food, weeknight meal, kid-friendly, potluck, American classic

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/savory-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-homemade-sauce-for-perfect-family-dinner/