Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

Whenever the craving for a hearty and comforting meal strikes, I turn to my Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes. There’s something so nostalgic about this dish that takes me right back to my childhood. I remember my mom whipping up a batch on busy weeknights, filling the house with the irresistible aroma of spices and savory goodness. As the sauce simmered, we couldn’t wait to dig into those juicy, flavorful sandwiches. Now, as an adult, I relish recreating this recipe for my family. It’s easy to make and always puts smiles on our faces. The best part? You can customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need a quick meal, Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are always a hit!

Everything You Need for Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

When it comes to Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes, the ingredients play a key role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor. Each component, from the tangy tomatoes to the savory spices, blends together beautifully, creating a rich and robust sauce that perfectly coats every bite of meat. Here’s what you need:

• 1 medium red bell pepper – Adds a sweetness and crunch to the mix.
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes – Forms the base of our sauce, providing a deliciously rich flavor.
• 8 oz can tomato sauce – Enhances the tomato flavor and adds depth.
• 3 tablespoons ketchup – Brings sweetness and a hint of tang.
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar – Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing, adding richness.
• ¾ cup sweet yellow or red onion – Provides a savory flavor base.
• 3 cloves garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1 lb ground beef – The star protein, providing heartiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings warmth and complexity to the sauce.

The Process for Making Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

Making Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes is not only straightforward but fun! Follow these steps to create a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

1. First, gather your ingredients together. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Start by preparing the red bell pepper. After coring and removing the seeds, chop it finely. This will add a delightful texture and sweetness to your dish.

2. Next, in a blender, combine the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. Blend for 20 seconds until smooth. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender and blend for another 20 seconds. You want a creamy sauce that will coat the meat nicely.

3. Now, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step builds a fragrant base for your sloppy joes.

4. After the aromatics are ready, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice brown color on the meat to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Once the beef is cooked, season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

6. Now, pour in the blended sauce from the blender. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. You want the beef to be well coated in that delicious sauce.

7. Let the mixture cook on medium heat until it bubbles, then lower the heat. Allow it to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

8. Once it’s ready, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the mixture to thicken and makes it easier to serve.

9. Finally, serve the sloppy joes in buns. I love using soft hamburger buns that soak up the sauce!

Recipe Variations about Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

There are numerous ways to enjoy Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or black beans for a hearty, meat-free meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your sloppy joes an extra kick.
• BBQ Sloppy Joes: Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist on the classic.
• Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Top with shredded cheese just before serving for a gooey finish.
• Sloppy Joe Nachos: Use the filling as a topping for tortilla chips, adding cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a fun twist.
• Freezing: Prepare a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crunchy coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes, there are endless possibilities for serving. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Hamburger Buns: Serve the sloppy joe mixture in soft hamburger buns. The sweetness of the bun complements the savory filling perfectly.
• Crusty Rolls: For a heartier option, use crusty rolls or hoagie buns, which can hold more filling and add a satisfying texture.
• Side Dishes: Pair your sloppy joes with classic sides like potato chips or a fresh garden salad. The crunch of the chips adds a delightful contrast.
• Family Gatherings: These sandwiches are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or game nights. Set up a DIY sloppy joe station where guests can pile on their toppings!
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making for easy meal prep.
• Seasonal Pairing: In the summer, serve with a refreshing cucumber salad, and in the colder months, add a warm bowl of soup.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make it a family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food that anyone can whip up in no time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed! It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to create warm memories around the dinner table.

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With a blend of savory spices and wholesome ingredients, this dish guarantees happiness at the dinner table. Make it tonight for a deliciously satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Blender
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium red bell pepper cored, seeds removed
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 3 Tablespoons ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar packed
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup sweet yellow or red onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

• First, gather your ingredients together. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Start by preparing the red bell pepper. After coring and removing the seeds, chop it finely. This will add a delightful texture and sweetness to your dish.
• Next, in a blender, combine the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. Blend for 20 seconds until smooth. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender and blend for another 20 seconds. You want a creamy sauce that will coat the meat nicely.
• Now, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step builds a fragrant base for your sloppy joes.
• After the aromatics are ready, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice brown color on the meat to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Once the beef is cooked, season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
• Now, pour in the blended sauce from the blender. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. You want the beef to be well coated in that delicious sauce.
• Let the mixture cook on medium heat until it bubbles, then lower the heat. Allow it to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Once it’s ready, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the mixture to thicken and makes it easier to serve.
• Finally, serve the sloppy joes in buns. I love using soft hamburger buns that soak up the sauce!

Notes

• This recipe works: with ground beef, ground turkey, and even chicken cut into bite-size pieces.
• Customize it: I recommend adding ½ cup of chopped red or green bell pepper and sautéing with garlic and onion for extra flavor.

Keyword Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe, Homemade Sloppy Joes, Quick Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joes Dinner

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!