Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe (Easy!)

Name: Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe (Easy!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (Source: 1 tablespoon olive oil); 1 pound lean ground beef ((85/15 or higher)) (Source: 1 pound lean ground beef ((85/15 or higher))); 1/2 each yellow onion (diced) (Source: 1/2 yellow onion (diced)); 1/2 each red, yellow, orange, or green bell pepper (chopped) (Source: 1/2 red, yellow, orange, or green bell pepper (chopped)); 2 cloves garlic (minced) (Source: 2 cloves garlic (minced)); 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Source: 1 teaspoon Kosher salt); 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (Source: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper); 8 ounce tomato sauce (Source: 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce); 1/2 cup beef broth or water (Source: 1/2 cup beef broth or water); 1/3 cup ketchup (Source: 1/3 cup ketchup); 1 tablespoon tomato paste (Source: 1 tablespoon tomato paste); 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Source: 1 tablespoon yellow mustard); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Source: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar); 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (Source: 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Source: 2 tablespoons brown sugar); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Source: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (Source: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder); 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (Source: 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Source: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes)

Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe (Easy!) is made with lean ground beef, beef broth or water, and yellow onion.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
Original yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 19 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

DinnerAmericanBeefPrep: 15 minutes or lessTotal: 30 minutes or less

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Dinner
Primary protein: Beef
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less

A few quick notes

1. Prepare the first additions

Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.

2. Stir as directed

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

3. Match the cuts in the method

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

Get to know the ingredients

lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)

In the method: When hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up into large chunks, but leaving it alone otherwise for a minute or two to sear on the bottom.

yellow onion (diced)

In the method: Add the onion, chopped bell pepper, and garlic.

red, yellow, orange, or green bell pepper (chopped)

In the method: Add the onion, chopped bell pepper, and garlic.

The last little job

Finish as directed

A slice of cheese and pickles on top are optional, but delicious!

A little more help as you go

Keep the simmering stage

Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.

Prepare the pan

Follow the pan-heating step before adding its ingredients.

Return for the stirring

Stir occasionally as directed while the mixture cooks.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the skillet. Start with this step: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened but saucy.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.

Additional recipe notes

Healthier version: These could also be made with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground bison for a healthier option. Slow cooker Sloppy Joes: Brown meat, onions, and peppers, then add sauce ingredients and spices and cook for 2 hours on low. Instant pot Sloppy Joes: Brown the meat and sauté the onions and peppers in the Instant Pot using the sauté feature just as you would on the stove. Then add all of the sauce ingredients and spices and close and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to “seal” and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release. If your sauce is still too thin, turn the instant pot back onto sauté mode and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. Storage: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing: This meat freezes well. Let it cool first than transfer to ziploc bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water to thin it out, if needed. The nutrition facts are calculated without the bun.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: houseofnasheats.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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