Sloppy Joes

Sweet, tangy, and a little messy in the best way, this classic sloppy joe recipe piles a rich tomato-beef sauce onto soft buns for a nostalgic dinner kids love. It comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes, making it a reliable weeknight favorite.

By YumYum Editorial · Kid-Friendly

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 30 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with onion and bell pepper, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, water, and salt, stirring to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a touch more brown sugar if a sweeter flavor is preferred.
6. Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves.
7. Top with the bun lids and serve warm with napkins on hand.