Sloppy Joe Recipe

This homemade sloppy joe recipe is a timeless classic hearty, saucy, and full of flavor. Tender ground beef is simmered in a rich, tangy sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, then piled high on soft hamburger buns. It’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights, picnics, or casual family meals everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ¾ cup ketchup (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted

Directions / How to Cook

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to brown.
• Stir in chopped onion and green bell pepper, then cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and beef is fully cooked.
• Mix in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
• Spoon the savory beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve hot.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 sandwiches