I recently tried a Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe that surprised me with its delightful mix of simple ingredients and bold flavor. Each bite delivered savory notes paired with a tangy twist that lifted the dish effortlessly. I am excited to share this inventive take on a classic favorite with you.

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I recently decided to give my Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes a go, and let me tell you, this recipe is a whole new level of easy and tasty. I started with 1 lb of ground beef tossed in with a chopped onion and a diced green bell pepper to build a good, flavorful base.

Then I mixed in some garlic along with a cup of ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for that classic, tangy taste that defines a homemade sloppy joe sauce. A tablespoon of brown sugar and a little vinegar kept the flavors balanced while a bit of water helped everything come together perfectly.

I even threw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is my go-to when I need a quick meal that’s hearty and satisfying without too much fuss.

Give it a try and see how easily it fits into your weeknight routine.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how simple it is to make especially when i’ve had a long day and just need something fast and delicious.
2. The flavor from the ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce makes the meat taste amazing and gives it a tangy kick that I always crave.
3. I enjoy the way the onions, bell pepper and garlic come together with the beef because it adds both flavor and a bit of crunch even though its a sloppy joe.
4. I also like that i can easily tweak it to my own taste; sometimes i add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if i’m feelin adventurous.

Ingredients

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Ground Beef: Provides protein and rich flavor, though its fat can affect health.
Onion: Adds fiber and sweetness, boosting flavor with its aromatic, cooked charm.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers essential vitamins and a crisp crunch; its heat is pretty mild.
Ketchup: Imparts a sweet and tangy taste while adding moisture to the mix.
Vinegar: Gives a sour zing that nicely balances the heavy flavors in the dish.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the mixture boldly, countering spiciness and tang perfectly.
Garlic: Enhances the savory aroma and adds a subtle kick and health benefits.
Worcestershire Sauce: Dark and complex, it adds a rich umami with a slight tang.
Yellow Mustard: Punchy tang adds extra zest and a bit of heat to brighten it up.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch can elevate heat for a bold, exciting flavor.
Water: Moistens perfectly and helps all the ingredients merge uniformly.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped up

1 small green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white works fine)

1/4 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

How to Make this

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1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until browned; drain any extra grease.

2. Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic into the same pan and cook until they soften.

3. Stir in 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

4. Mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of your choice of vinegar (apple cider or white), and 1/4 cup of water.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste while stirring well.

6. If u like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point.

7. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

8. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, making sure all the flavors meshed nicely.

9. Warm up your hamburger buns in a separate pan or in the oven.

10. Finally, spoon the tasty Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and serve hot. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Strainer or paper towels to drain the grease (if needed)
7. A separate pan or oven to warm the hamburger buns

FAQ

What makes these Sloppy Joes "Old Fashioned"?

Answer: They use classic ingredients like ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce which give it that timeless flavor we've all loved.

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Answer: Yeah, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want, but it might change the overall taste a bit.

How spicy is the recipe?

Answer: It's pretty mild, but if you wanna add a pinch of red pepper flakes it gives it a little kick.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Answer: Sure thing, you can cook it ahead and reheat later; just warm it up in a pan so it stays tasty.

What bread should I serve it with?

Answer: Toasted hamburger buns work best for soaking up all that saucy goodness.

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: You can swap it out for ground turkey if you want a leaner version. It might change the flavor a lil bit, but it’s still pretty tasty.
Onion: If you don’t have a medium onion, try using a red onion or even a couple of shallots for a sweeter twist.
Green bell pepper: Use red or yellow bell peppers instead if you want a milder taste or a splash of color.
Ketchup: If you’re fresh out of ketchup, mix tomato sauce with a little extra brown sugar and vinegar to mimic that tangy-sweet flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: No Worcestershire? Try a combo of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a bit of lemon juice to give it a similar depth of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you drain the extra grease after browning the beef, because too much grease can make the mix soggy and mask the flavors.
2. Give the veggies a little extra time to soften before adding the sauces so they release more of their natural sweetness and flavor, which makes the whole dish taste more rich.
3. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings as you go along; sometimes a pinch more salt or a bit less mustard can really change things up in a good way.
4. Let the mixture simmer on low for the full amount of time and stir every once in a while so the flavors really get a chance to blend together.

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

380

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large skillet
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Strainer or paper towels to drain the grease (if needed)
7. A separate pan or oven to warm the hamburger buns

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped up
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white works fine)
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until browned; drain any extra grease.
Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic into the same pan and cook until they soften.
Stir in 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of your choice of vinegar (apple cider or white), and 1/4 cup of water.
Season with salt and pepper to taste while stirring well.
If u like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, making sure all the flavors meshed nicely.
Warm up your hamburger buns in a separate pan or in the oven.
Finally, spoon the tasty Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.