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Homemade Sloppy Joes

Our favorite Sloppy Joes - made completely from scratch! This recipe features ground beef, onions, and green peppers in a tangy, tomato-based sauce made without ketchup. The perfect balance of savory and sweet... once you go homemade, you'll never go back!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 338kcal
Author: Cathy Trochelman

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup green pepper chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef I used 80/20
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce can
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar or to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, green peppers, and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and starting to brown.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling, until completely browned (about 10 minutes.) Remove from heat and drain grease using a large spoon or paper towels.
  3. Add the sauce ingredients and 1/2 cup water and stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  5. Spoon filling onto sandwich rolls and add cheese, pickles, grilled onions, or any toppings of your choice.

Notes

Recipe Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef
  • Add additional green peppers & onions (or omit!)
  • Use tomato puree in place of tomato sauce (you may need to add more water)
  • Use dijon mustard of dried mustard instead of yellow mustard
  • Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar
  • Add more or less brown sugar to tasate
  • Add additional seasonings, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder or onion powder
  • Top Sloppy Joes with American cheese, sliced pickles, or any additional toppings
 

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well and will keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. To reheat, transfer refrigerated or frozen mixture to a large skillet. Heat on medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until mixture is completely warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg