Description
These Sweet and Tangy Homemade Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a savory ground beef or turkey filling simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 hamburger buns
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Mix in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious homemade sloppy joes!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version or add ground chicken as an alternative.
- The bell pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor complexity.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer or add a teaspoon of tomato paste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
