Description
Best Homemade Sloppy Joes are an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4–6 soft burger buns (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break up the meat and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and onions. Stir until well combined.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- While simmering, lightly toast your burger buns if desired.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joes filling into the toasted buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Consider adding cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sloppy Joe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Homemade Sloppy Joes, Quick Meals