Beef Sloppy Joes on Bun (Printable)
Savory beef mixture in tangy tomato sauce served on toasted buns for a satisfying handheld meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 1/4 cup ketchup
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ To Serve
15 - 4 hamburger buns, split
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
# Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
05 - While the filling simmers, optionally butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
06 - Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with the other halves and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It brings the chaotic joy of a childhood diner right into your own kitchen without the greasy spoon atmosphere.
- The balance of sweet and tangy flavors hits every single craving spot on a rainy evening.
02 -
- Drain the fat after browning the beef, otherwise, the sauce will separate and become an oily mess.
- Letting the sauce simmer uncovered is nonnegotiable if you want that thick, clinging texture.
03 -
- Grating the onion instead of chopping it is a chef trick that hides the veggie from children who swear they hate onions.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the sauce if it tastes too flat or heavy.