Sloppy Joes are one of those classic comfort foods that never go out of style.
There’s just something so satisfying about that savory, slightly sweet meat mixture piled high on a soft, toasty bun.
This easy homemade sloppy joe recipe is all about simple ingredients, quick cooking, and big flavor—no canned sauce required.
It’s a go-to weeknight dinner that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and always a hit at the table.
Ingredients:
▪1lb/.5kg 80/20 ground beef
▪1g or 1/4tsp baking soda
▪100g or 1 large or 2 small poblano peppers small diced
▪150g or 1 large yellow or white onion, small diced
▪Olive oil
▪5g or 1tsp salt
▪5g or 1 1/2tsp onion powder
▪5g or 1tsp garlic powder
▪2g or 1tsp black pepper
▪5g or 1 3/4tsp paprika
▪Pinch of Chile flakes
▪10g or 1 1/2Tbsp flour (all purpose or gluten free blend)
▪50g or 3Tbsp tomato paste
▪50g or 3Tbsp ketchup
▪15g or 2Tbsp yellow mustard
▪15g or 2 1/2-3tsp brown sugar
▪50g or 3 1/2Tbsp worcestershire
▪20g or 1 1/2Tbsp red wine vinegar
▪10g or 1 ½tsp better than bouillon beef paste
▪350g or 1 1/2c stock (chicken or beef)
Instructions:
- Add beef to a bowl with baking soda and mix thoroughly to incorporate.
- Preheat a large nonstick pan over medium high.
- Add a squeeze (Tbsp or so) of olive oil followed by diced onions, poblanos, and a pinch of salt.
- Saute for 3-4 mins, stirring often.
- When veg has softened a bit and has started to brown, add in beef/baking soda mix, using a meat musher or wooden spoon to break up meat into small pieces.
- When beef is broken down well and is beginning to brown, add salt (5g), onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and chile flake.
- Stir to combine and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add flour and stir to combine and cook for a few seconds.
- Add tomato products, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, bouillon, and stock.
- Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to medium low to reduce for about 10-12 minutes, continuing to stir and break up meat as sauce reduces.
- Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed.
- Serve on toasted brioche bun.
