Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food featuring savory, saucy beef served on toasted buns. This easy recipe balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or ½ tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and fry for about 10 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Fry the onion and green pepper for 6–8 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Return the beef mince and any juices to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Step 3: Splash in the malt vinegar, then stir through the ketchup and mustard. Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture bubble gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve with chilli sauce if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef.
• Swap green pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
• Use turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook for a few minutes longer until desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Allow leftover sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over medium heat until piping hot before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to allow flavors to deepen.

What can I serve with sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes pair well with simple sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Sloppy Joes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

A classic Sloppy Joes recipe featuring succulent beef mince simmered with onions, green peppers, and a flavorful blend of spices in a rich tomato sauce, served on toasted burger buns. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1⁄2 tsp mustard powder
• 300ml beef stock
• 4 burger buns, split
• Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and crumble in the beef mince. Fry for 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is browned all over. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Fry the chopped onion and green pepper for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Combine: Sprinkle in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar. Return the browned beef and any resting juices to the pan. Stir together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Add Vinegar and Sauces: Splash in the malt vinegar, stirring it through the mixture, then add the ketchup and Dijon mustard, continuing to stir to combine evenly.
5. Simmer the Mixture: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Toast Buns and Serve: Toast the burger buns in a hot pan until golden and slightly crispy. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the buns and top with optional chilli sauce for an extra kick. Serve immediately.
7. Freezing Instructions: Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container or divide into freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight and warm in a pan until piping hot.

Notes

• Use malt vinegar for a nice tangy balance, but apple cider vinegar can be a substitute if needed.
• Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and chilli sauce to suit your spice preference.
• For a lower-fat option, use lean beef mince or substitute with turkey mince.
• Leftovers freeze well and can be a quick meal option on busy days.
• Toast buns just before serving to keep them crispy and flavorful.

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, beef mince, sandwich, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal