Description
Want a quick, hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or kid-friendly meals? Sloppy Joes Sandwiches are the ultimate recipe! This stovetop favorite features savory ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, piled high on soft hamburger buns.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 and uses pantry staples for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, split
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base for the filling.
- Ketchup: Forms the sweet-tangy sauce foundation.
- Water: Thins the sauce for simmering consistency.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance acidity.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami depth and savoriness.
- Prepared Mustard: Contributes a mild, tangy kick.
- Garlic and Onion Powders: Add savory flavor without prep work.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sauce.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft and sturdy to hold the saucy filling.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Ketchup: Use tomato sauce with an extra teaspoon of brown sugar or a mix of tomato paste and water.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Replace with soy sauce, tamari, or balsamic vinegar.
- Prepared Mustard: Use Dijon mustard for a sharper flavor or skip for a milder sauce.
- Garlic/Onion Powder: Swap with 1 minced garlic clove or 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh onion (sauté with beef).
- Hamburger Buns: Try slider buns, pretzel buns, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or carrots with the beef.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons each Worcestershire sauce and prepared mustard, 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Split 4 hamburger buns and set aside.
Tip: Measure ingredients ahead to streamline cooking; keep buns covered to stay soft.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Drain Fat: Drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for even texture; use a lean beef (80-90% lean) to minimize fat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Add Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Stir thoroughly to dissolve sugar and blend spices; watch closely to prevent splattering.
Step 4: Simmer
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Tip: Check at 15 minutes; uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want a thicker sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Prep Buns: Optionally, toast split hamburger buns in a 350°F oven or skillet for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch.
- Assemble: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture onto each bun bottom. Replace tops.
- Serve: Serve hot with napkins and sides like fries, coleslaw, or pickles.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce; serve immediately for the best texture.