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Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joe

This Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe is made with real ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick family dinner. Say goodbye to canned sauce and hello to this delicious from-scratch version everyone will love!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 258
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sloppy Joe Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup ketchup use low-sugar or natural ketchup if preferred
  • 1 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • optional sliced pickles for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cup
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, stir together the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  4. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the meat. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  6. Serve the meat mixture on hamburger buns. Add pickles if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a more savory Sloppy Joe, reduce the brown sugar or substitute with honey. To add more flavor and nutrition, sauté diced onions and bell peppers before cooking the meat. Simmer longer for richer taste. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.