Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Printable)
Hearty ground beef in tangy tomato sauce served on toasted buns with crisp pickles for balanced flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
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 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Buns & Toppings
14 - 4 hamburger buns, split
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 1 cup dill pickle chips
# How-to Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Pour off excess grease if needed.
02 - Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Sprinkle in brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined and sugar dissolves.
04 - Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
05 - While sauce simmers, spread butter on cut sides of burger buns. Toast in a skillet or on a baking sheet until golden brown and crisp.
06 - Heap the sloppy joe meat generously onto bottom bun halves. Top with dill pickle chips and cover with top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in 35 minutes from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- The perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory that appeals to both kids and adults
- Messy in the best way possible and even better the next day
02 -
- Draining the fat after browning prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy
- Letting the sauce simmer uncovered is crucial for the right consistency
- Well toasted buns are the only thing standing between you and a soggy sandwich
03 -
- A splash of apple cider vinegar added with the sauce ingredients brightens everything
- Grate the onion and bell pepper if you have picky eaters who detect vegetable chunks