📝 About This Recipe
Born in the early 20th century as a 'loose meat' sandwich, the Sloppy Joe is the quintessential American comfort food, blending savory nostalgia with a tangy, sweet-and-smoky kick. This elevated version moves beyond the can, utilizing high-quality ground beef, a complex homemade tomato base, and aromatic vegetables to create a rich, thick sauce that clings perfectly to a toasted bun. It is the ultimate messy-delicious experience that brings the warmth of a classic roadside diner straight to your kitchen table.
🥗 Ingredients
The Meat and Aromatics
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (finely diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
The Signature Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Ketchup (use a high-quality brand)
- 1/2 cup Water (to adjust consistency)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard (for classic tang)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for depth)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
For Serving
- 6 pieces Brioche Buns (split and toasted)
- 12-18 pieces Pickle Slices (dill or bread and butter)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
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2
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small crumbles.
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3
Cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
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4
Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings for flavor.
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5
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
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6
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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7
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
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8
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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9
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a 'sloppy' yet manageable consistency.
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10
Taste the mixture and add kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
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11
While the meat simmers, butter the cut sides of your brioche buns and toast them in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
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12
Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
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13
Top with 2-3 pickle slices and the top bun. Serve immediately while hot and messy.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use 80/20 ground beef; the extra fat provides the essential richness that lean turkey or 93/7 beef lacks. Always toast your buns! This creates a structural barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy too quickly. If the sauce gets too thick during the simmer, add a splash more water or beef broth to loosen it up. For a spicy kick, add a finely diced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the liquid mixture. Make it ahead of time; the flavor of Sloppy Joes actually improves after sitting in the fridge overnight.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Classic crinkle-cut potato chips for a salty crunch. A side of creamy, tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness of the beef. Crispy sweet potato fries with a side of ranch dipping sauce. An ice-cold root beer or a crisp lager to complement the sweet and savory notes. Corn on the cob with plenty of butter and lime salt.