Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Recipe

A ground beef sloppy joe sandwich on a white burger bun with meat spilling over.

4.67 from 3 votes

When I'm looking for a no-fuss, easy dinner recipe the whole family will eat I reach for this Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Recipe.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Hot Sandwich Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: old fashioned sloppy joe recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 617kcal

Author: Deanne Frieders

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ cup white onion finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup chopped celery (or equivalent of green pepper chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 ½ lbs. ground beef 80% lean/20% fat (or greater
1 15 ounces tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar adjust amount depending on personal preference
1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
4-6 Hamburger buns

Instructions

Cook the veggies: In a large skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup white onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and ½ cup chopped celery (or equivalent of green pepper. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Brown the meat: Add 1 ½ lbs. ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Make the sauce: Stir in 1 15 ounces tomato sauce, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes, until thickened.
Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto 4-6 Hamburger buns and serve hot with chips, pickles, or your favorite sides.

Notes

Freezer Meal: Cook beef and veggies, drain, and cool. Place in a freezer bag with remaining ingredients. Lay flat and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then simmer in a skillet for 15–20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Option: After browning beef and veggies, transfer to a slow cooker. Add sauce ingredients and cook on LOW 4–5 hours. Remove lid and simmer 30 minutes if sauce needs thickening.

Make it yours: Swap celery for bell pepper, add a dash of chili powder for heat, or top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrition