The VERY BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe
A classic favorite elevated with a robust, sweet-savory sauce made from pantry staples. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy evenings, yielding a hearty, satisfying sandwich that's been praised for its simplicity and taste.
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Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sliced pickles
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- Hamburger buns
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or a 2-cup glass measuring cup, combine tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended, then set aside.
- Heat a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one to two minutes, just until it releases its fragrance and begins to lightly brown. Raise the heat to medium or medium-high, add ground beef, and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
- Incorporate the sauce into the browned meat, stirring well to coat. Let the mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated and the flavors meld.
- Serve warm on hamburger buns, garnished with sliced pickles.
Notes
The sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted to personal preference—reduce the brown sugar for a more savory profile. Alternatives like unrefined sugar or honey can be used. For added depth, consider sautéing diced onion and bell pepper before browning the meat; remove them after softening, then stir them back in with the sauce. For enhanced flavor, extend the simmering time up to 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to maintain consistency.