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Classic Sloppy Joes

A close-up of a hearty Sloppy Joe sandwich filled with seasoned ground beef and green peppers on a soft bun.

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A quick and easy recipe for classic sloppy joes, perfect for a weeknight family meal. This recipe features a tangy, savory sauce and can be customized with ground turkey or extra vegetables.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally.
  7. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a longer period or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
  • To make ahead, prepare the sloppy joe mixture and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • For sliders, use dinner rolls or slider buns.
  • To lighten up the dish, use ground turkey and add extra chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini.

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