Hot and Spicy Sloppy Joes

Turn up the heat on a weeknight classic with these Hot and Spicy Sloppy Joes, a fiery twist on the traditional comfort food! Packed with bold flavors, this recipe combines juicy ground beef (or turkey, for a lighter option) with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a kick of garlic. The saucy mix is seasoned to perfection with a blend of chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and a splash of hot sauce, creating a savory, spicy blend that’s irresistibly satisfying. Sweet and tangy notes from tomato sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar balance the heat, while toasted burger buns provide the perfect base. Ready in just 30 minutes, these sloppy joes are ideal for busy nights when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple. Add jalapeños or pickles for extra crunch, and watch this crowd-pleaser disappear as fast as you can serve it!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey, optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 Burger buns
• 0 Optional toppings (e.g., pickles, sliced jalapeños)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir to combine with the softened vegetables.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 7

Add the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices.

Step 8

Pour in the hot sauce and taste the mixture. Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper if desired.

Step 9

Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes saucy.

Step 10

Toast the burger buns lightly for extra flavor, if preferred.

Step 11

Spoon the hot and spicy sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings like pickles or sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.

Step 12

Place the top half of the buns on each sandwich and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1241.8 grams (1241.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1977

Total Fat 113.70g	146%
Saturated Fat 39.10g	196%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 363mg	121%
Sodium 3526mg	153%
Total Carbohydrate 133.90g	49%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 37.40g
Protein 96.00g	192%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 339mg	26%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 2444mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.7%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 27.6%