Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Print Version)
Tangy ground beef mixture piled high on toasted buns with savory seasonings and fresh veggies.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is very lean)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasoning
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 cup water
→ Serving
17 - 4 burger buns, split
18 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat if using. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened to a hearty consistency.
05 - Meanwhile, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast, cut side down, until golden and crisp, 2-3 minutes.
06 - Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning you spend less time washing dishes and more time actually eating
- The sweet and tangy sauce hits every single comfort button you didnt know you had
02 -
- The mixture needs those 10 to 12 minutes of simmering to thicken properly or you end up with soup instead of sloppy joes
- Toasting the buns creates a barrier that keeps the bottom bun from disintegrating within thirty seconds
03 -
- Brown the beef in batches if your skillet is crowded or it steams instead of searing
- Let the meat mixture rest for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving so the flavors settle