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Close-up of a classic beef sloppy joe sandwich, generously filled with saucy meat and colorful bell peppers on a toasted bun.

Classic Beef Sloppy Joe

This Classic Beef Sloppy Joe recipe delivers rich, nostalgic flavor with simple ingredients — perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Juicy beef, savory-sweet sauce, and colorful veggies come together in under 30 minutes.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.33 green bell pepper, minced
  • 0.5 large yellow onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.66 cup ketchup
  • 0.33 cup water
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 0.75 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • dash hot sauce (optional)
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted (for serving)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • cutting board and sharp knife
  • Colander for draining beef
  • spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned (about 5 minutes).
  2. Drain the cooked beef using a colander to remove excess fat. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced onion and bell pepper over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant, then return the drained beef to the skillet.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, then add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Stir well.
  6. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
  7. Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Red or yellow bell pepper add sweetness. Adjust spice and sugar levels to taste. Toast your buns to prevent sogginess and simmer long enough to let the flavors meld.