Name: Best Sloppy Joe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 brioche buns

When it comes to comfort food that’s fast, flavorful, and filling, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic Sloppy Joe. This nostalgic sandwich piles saucy, savory ground beef onto a soft, toasted bun, creating a delightful mess of bold, tangy flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Perfectly seasoned and slightly sweet, this version of the Best Sloppy Joe takes things up a notch with chunks of green bell pepper, a touch of tomato paste for richness, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that belongs in your regular rotation.

What Kind of Bun Works Best for Sloppy Joes?

A good bun makes all the difference. While standard hamburger buns will work, brioche buns elevate the sandwich with a subtle sweetness and a pillowy-soft texture that holds the filling without falling apart. For extra crunch, lightly toast your buns before assembling.

Ingredients for the Best Sloppy Joe

Ground beef – The foundation of the sandwich, rich and savory. Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

Green bell pepper – Adds texture and a pop of fresh flavor to complement the richness of the beef.

Yellow onion – Essential for a classic aromatic base that sweetens as it sautés.

Garlic – Just a couple of cloves give the filling a warm, flavorful depth.

Tomato paste – Thickens the sauce while giving it a rich, umami-packed punch.

Ketchup – Brings sweetness and tang, creating the iconic Sloppy Joe flavor.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, savory umami flavor that ties everything together.

Brown sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomato and the spice of the seasonings.

Chili powder – Brings a little warmth and depth, not heat.

Salt and black pepper – To enhance and balance all the flavors.

Buns – Choose soft yet sturdy buns like brioche or potato rolls to hold the hearty filling.

How To Make the Best Sloppy Joe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the meat simmers, lightly toast your buns in a separate pan or under the broiler for a golden edge and extra texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.

How to Serve and Store Your Sloppy Joe

Serve Sloppy Joes hot, ideally as soon as they’re assembled for the freshest experience. If you’re prepping ahead, store the filling and buns separately to avoid sogginess. The filling can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Sloppy Joes?

Classic Potato Chips

Crispy, salty chips offer the perfect contrast to the saucy sandwich.

Creamy Coleslaw

Adds cool, crunchy texture and cuts through the richness.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

A healthier, slightly sweet option that pairs beautifully with the tangy filling.

Dill Pickles

A crunchy, briny bite that refreshes the palate.

Macaroni Salad

Creamy and satisfying, it’s a nostalgic combo with timeless appeal.

Roasted Broccoli

For a lighter veggie side that adds some color and crunch.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, buttery corn is a natural match for this hearty dish.

Want More Sandwich Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Best Sloppy Joe, you’ll definitely want to try these other crave-worthy creations:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a cheesy, oven-baked comfort dish.
Creamy Beef and Shells when you’re in the mood for a creamy pasta spin.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for Philly-meets-Italian comfort.
Taco Ranch Bites for a snack-size twist on taco night.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes if you’re craving cheesy, saucy indulgence.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add hot sauce or a slice of cheese? Did you sneak in mushrooms? I love hearing your spins on the classics. Questions are always welcome too!

Explore more feel-good comfort meals on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover new favorites for busy weeknights: ChefAlchemy Pinterest