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Sloppy Joes with homemade sauce on a hamburger bun served with potato chips.
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5 from 3 votes

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

Hearty and flavorful old fashioned sloppy joes! This homemade sauce is perfect for using as a quick weeknight meal for the family! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Serene

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or can use dijon
  • 1 tablespoon molasses can sub with brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in the bell pepper and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add in the ground beef. Continue cooking over medium heat. Breaking up the meat while it cooks. Cook until the meat is completely browned, approximately 5 minutes. 
  • Once the meat is browned and the onion and peppers are tender, add in the garlic. Cook an additional 30 seconds. 
  • Add in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ground mustard, molasses, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the meat. 
  • Bring to a low simmer, allow the meat to cook in the sauce, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and mixture is thick.
  • During this time prepare the hamburger buns by spreading a little butter on the insides and toasting in a skillet. 
  • Serve the sloppy joes warm. 

Video

Notes

Ground Beef: use an 85-90% lean beef, if using a lower percentage be sure to drain the excess grease after cooking the meat. 
Make Ahead Instructions: 
  • Prepare the recipe as instructed, store the meat sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
  • Reheat: heat the meat sauce over medium low heat on the stovetop for 10-12 minutes until heated through. 
Freezing & Storage: 
  • Prepare the meat sauce as instructed, allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a sealed freezer safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Remove to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. 
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat heat until warmed through, about 10-12 minutes. 
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g