homemade sloppy joes 🍔
rich, saucy, savory, and packed with flavor ✨
toasted buttery buns make it even better 😍
don't be afraid to season little by little until you achieve the flavor you love 👌🏻
🛒Ingredients
* 1 Ib ground beef (85/15 works great)
* 1 tbsp butter
* 1 tsp olive oil
* 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium yellow onion)
* 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
Seasonings:
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* ½ tsp paprika
* ½ tsp McCormick Garlic & Onion seasoning
* ½-1 tsp Kinder's All Purpose seasoning
* Salt & black pepper, to taste
Sauce:
* 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
* 2 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp brown sugar
* ¼ cup water
For Serving:
* Hamburger buns
* Pickles (optional)
* Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the pan
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil.
2. Sauté onions
Add diced onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
5. Season the beef
Add garlic powder, paprika, McCormick Garlic & Onion seasoning, Kinder's All Purpose seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef.
✨ Don't be afraid to season little by little until you achieve the flavor you love.
6. Add the sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water.
7. Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick, rich, and saucy.
8. Toast the buns
Toast hamburger buns in a skillet with a little butter until golden.
9. Assemble
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto buns. Add cheese or pickles if desired.
10. Serve & enjoy
Messy, saucy & SO good
💡Tips & Notes
* Want it thicker? Simmer a few extra minutes.
* Want it thinner? Add a splash more water.
* Add chili flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
* Great with fries, chips, or coleslaw.
Making sloppy joes at home is such a rewarding experience, especially when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without relying on pre-packaged mixes. Using simple, fresh ingredients like ground beef, diced onions, and garlic, combined with a homemade sauce, really elevates the classic sandwich into something special. One tip I’ve learned is to start by gently sautéing the onions until they’re translucent; this step adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat mixture. Seasoning little by little is crucial—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in! I personally like to add a bit of extra paprika and sometimes a pinch of cayenne to give the sloppy joes a slight smoky warmth that balances out the sweetness from the brown sugar in the sauce. Toasting the buns in butter is a game-changer too. It adds a nice crisp texture and buttery aroma that complements the saucy meat perfectly. If you want to customize your sloppy joes, consider topping the sandwiches with sharp cheddar cheese that melts over the warm beef mixture or crunchy pickles that add a tangy contrast. Pairing sloppy joes with crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw makes for a fun, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, simmering the sauce a bit longer helps achieve that thick, rich texture that clings to every bite. Overall, making sloppy joes from scratch is simple, adaptable, and absolutely delicious.
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