Classic Sloppy Joes, Done Right
These classic sloppy joes are simple, nostalgic, and exactly how they should be—savory ground beef simmered in a tangy, lightly sweet tomato-based sauce with onion and bell pepper. No shortcuts, no unnecessary extras, just a well-balanced sloppy joe that comes together quickly and tastes even better piled onto a soft bun. It’s comfort food done right and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ of a small onion, chopped
- ½ of a green bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it begins to brown and release some fat, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and the beef is fully cooked, another 3–5 minutes.
- Add the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.