Dinner

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Name: Sloppy Joe Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped fine; 1 medium green pepper, chopped fine; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp canola oil; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste

ByLila Prescott January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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Introduction

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that’s quick and easy to make. This recipe combines savory ground beef with tangy ketchup and mustard for a flavorful sandwich your whole family will enjoy. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

A close-up of a sandwich with a soft, light brown sesame seed bun that has a slightly shiny texture on top, holding a thick layer of saucy minced beef mixed with small bits of green bell peppers and onions, giving it a rich, dark reddish-brown color with a glossy sheen. The sandwich is placed on a wooden surface with a slightly warm tone, and in the blurred background, another similar sandwich and a white bowl filled with bright red ketchup can be seen alongside golden yellow French fries. The overall scene has a bright and warm feel highlighted by natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 small onion, chopped fine

1 medium green pepper, chopped fine
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup ketchup

2 tsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp canola oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and green pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Step 2: Push the onions and peppers to the outer edge of the pan and increase the heat to medium-high.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the center of the pan, spreading it out evenly. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown.

Step 4: Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then flip it over. Continue cooking while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Lower the heat back to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.
Step 6: Serve the sloppy joe mixture on burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls for a delicious sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Mix in some shredded cheese on top before serving for extra richness.

Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the beef tender and moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich with a golden brown sesame seed bun on top and bottom. Between the buns, there is a thick layer of saucy ground beef mixed with small bits of green peppers and onions, showing a juicy and slightly glossy texture. In the background, there are golden French fries slightly blurred, and a small white bowl with red ketchup also out of focus. The food is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, the cooked mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What bread works best for Sloppy Joes?

Burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls are ideal as they hold the filling well without getting soggy quickly. Any soft bun or sandwich roll can be used based on your preference.