Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

Experience the nostalgic flavors of comfort food with these Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes—an irresistible combination of hearty ground beef, tender onions, and green bell peppers simmered in a rich, tangy-sweet sauce. This classic recipe features pantry staples like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, perfectly balanced with a touch of mustard, garlic powder, and smoky paprika. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Serve the savory mixture on buttery toasted hamburger buns for a delightful crunch, and pair it with coleslaw or potato chips for a timeless, crowd-pleasing meal. Easy to make, kid-friendly, and packed with flavor, these homemade sloppy joes are a must-try for a taste of nostalgia!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.75 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup water
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Pour in the water and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.

Step 5

While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, optionally toast the hamburger buns. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, spread a small amount of butter on the inside of each bun, and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, then place the top half of the bun over the filling.

Step 7

Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1270.8 grams (1270.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2015

Total Fat 131.10g	168%
Saturated Fat 59.30g	297%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 380mg	127%
Sodium 3445mg	150%
Total Carbohydrate 134.80g	49%
Dietary Fiber 61.90g	221%
Total Sugars 53.00g
Protein 146.90g	294%

Vitamin D 50IU	250%
Calcium 228mg	18%
Iron 21mg	114%
Potassium 2120mg	45%

*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: 51.2%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 23.4%