Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns (Print View)
Savory ground beef with tangy sauce served on toasted buns for a satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 1/4 cup ketchup
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
→ To Serve
15 - 4 hamburger buns, split
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)
17 - Pickle chips (optional, for garnish)
# How to Make:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using).
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - While the filling simmers, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of each bun and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
06 - Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with pickle chips if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time eating
- The sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Buttered toasted buns transform a messy sandwich into something that feels special
02 -
- The sauce continues to thicken as it cools, so don and #39t worry if it looks a little thin in the skillet
- Letting the mixture rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving actually improves the texture
- Buttering the buns isn and #39t optional and #45it and #39s what prevents soggy bread syndrome
03 -
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with more brown sugar or mustard to suit your preferences
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything if the sauce tastes too sweet