Here’s a classic Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe — sweet, tangy, savory, and downright comforting. Forget the canned stuff — this version comes together quickly and tastes way better, with simple ingredients and loads of flavor.
🍔 Homemade Sloppy Joes
🕒 Total Time: 25–30 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
💡 Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
🧾 Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using lean meat)
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but traditional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3/4 cup ketchup
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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1/4 cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve:
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Hamburger buns, toasted
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Optional: cheese slices, pickles, or coleslaw for topping
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (5–7 minutes).
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Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Veggies
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Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the meat. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add the Sauce
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Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, and water.
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Mix well and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra sugar/mustard to your liking.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
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Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns.
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Add optional cheese or toppings, and serve warm!
🍽️ Tips & Variations
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Sweeter? Add a bit more brown sugar or a squirt of BBQ sauce.
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Tangier? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
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Spicier? Stir in hot sauce or a dash of cayenne.
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Make it a meal: Serve with tater tots, potato chips, coleslaw, or baked beans.
❄️ Storage & Freezing
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Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days.
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Freezes well for up to 3 months — just thaw and reheat on the stovetop.