Description
This Best Damn Sloppy Joes recipe features a flavorful mix of ground beef simmered in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce made with ketchup, steak sauce, and classic spices, perfect for a hearty main course that serves 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 sweet bell pepper, diced (red or green)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup steak sauce (A1)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, steak sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, tomato paste, and water. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (about ½ tsp each) over the mixture. Sauté until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened, then drain excess fat.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat.
- Cook covered: Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce sauce: Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns or your choice of bread.
Notes
- For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey and brown sugar according to taste.
- If you want to add some spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Serve on toasted buns for extra texture and flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated; flavors deepen after resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
