Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Printable)
A hearty blend of ground beef and tangy sauce atop golden toasted buns, ideal for family meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 1/4 cup ketchup
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
→ To Serve
15 - 4 hamburger buns, split
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting
17 - Pickle chips, optional for garnish
# How-to Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if using.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - While the filling simmers, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of each bun and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
06 - Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with pickle chips if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- The toasted buns keep everything from falling apart while adding buttery crunch
02 -
- The sauce needs those last 10 minutes of simmering time to thicken properly—rushing this step makes everything too loose
- Toasted buns aren't optional if you want to eat these without wearing half your dinner
03 -
- Dice your vegetables slightly smaller than you think necessary so they disappear into the sauce
- Let the beef get some serious color in that first step for deeper flavor development