Oh yes—Sloppy Joe Sandwiches: messy, comforting, and pure childhood nostalgia in a bun 🍔✨. Here’s a homemade version that’s thick, flavorful, and easy to whip up.
Classic Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter version)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but tasty)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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4–6 hamburger buns
How to Make It
1. Cook the Meat
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
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Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Veggies
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Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
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Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce
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Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–15 minutes until thick and saucy.
4. Serve
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Spoon generous portions onto hamburger buns.
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Optional: top with shredded cheese or pickles.
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Serve with chips or fries for max nostalgia points.
Tips & Variations
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Sweet & Tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
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Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili powder or hot sauce.
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Slow Cooker: Brown meat & veggies, then dump everything into crockpot and cook on low 2–3 hours.
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Mini Sloppy Joes: Perfect for sliders—just scale down buns.
If you want, I can also give a “lighter but still saucy” version that won’t fall apart instantly but keeps all the messy magic