Beef Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Printable)
Tender ground beef in a rich tomato sauce piled on toasted buns for a satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Main
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Serving
14 - 4 hamburger buns, split
15 - 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
16 - Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheese
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a hearty consistency.
05 - While the beef simmers, melt butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place buns cut side down and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes.
06 - Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Top with pickles or shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in 35 minutes flat, making it your new best friend on those nights when takeout feels like the only option
- The toasted buttery bun keeps everything together while adding that perfect crunch that transforms the whole experience
02 -
- Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here if you want something lighter, though you might need an extra splash of Worcestershire to maintain that deep savory punch
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so if it looks too loose while simmering, give it another few minutes and it will come together perfectly
03 -
- Finely chopping the vegetables helps them disappear into the sauce, which is perfect for anyone who claims not to like onions or peppers
- Letting the sauce simmer for the full time concentrates the flavors and creates that perfect clingy consistency that stays on the bun instead of dripping everywhere