Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes
Quick, one-pan sloppy joe recipe with a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that the whole family will enjoy. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in 20 minutes. Recipe makes about 4 standard sandwiches using hamburger buns (6-8 sliders). Plan on doubling for additional servings. See notes for tweaks and adjustments.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (white vinegar also works)
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
- Cook onion (optional): heat 1–2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Allow to simmer for addition 1-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Spoon onto hamburger buns and serve warm.
Notes
- Not that this is a thicker sauce. For a saucier, sloppier joe: Add extra 3 tablespoons ketchup + 1 teaspoon vinegar.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low.
- Serving ideas: Try on slider buns, in quesadillas, or as a grilled sandwich filling.