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Sloppy Joes

Soft buns work best with these classic kid-friendly sandwiches. Serve them with pickles or potato chips. The beef mixture can also be served over pasta.
Everyday Food, November 2003
  • Prep Time 20 minutes
  • Total Time 40 minutes
  • Yield Serves 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef to skillet. Cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Stir tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into beef mixture in skillet. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, as desired. Spoon onto buns, and serve immediately.

Recipe Reviews

  • itoffer
    28 Jan, 2013

    The professional who are holding the Mcts Certification is responsible for the technology because the professional will know more about the particular technology.

  • AnneWol
    11 Jan, 2013

    You didn't say to drain the fat and I know many people who like grease, but not in this house, it really has to go!

  • Barbkk
    17 Feb, 2011

    I made this on a cold winter night and it "hit the spot". The recipe is easy and delicious. I added a half capful of vinegar to mine to give it a little bite.

  • annadanielle
    17 Oct, 2010

    I think the recipe is plenty sweet as is...I added some diced jalapeno to amp up the flavor, and it turned out delicious!

  • CharlieMil
    5 Oct, 2010

    I think this recipe is great. If you want a little more sweetness, just add brown sugar to your desired taste. I tried Rachel Ray's recipe and think this one is far better.

  • Scarls17
    17 Aug, 2010

    Yum! So good. Definitely give it time to thicken, but they have a great taste.

  • Scarls17
    17 Aug, 2010

    Yum! So good. Definitely give it time to thicken, but they have a great taste.

  • lasaunda
    1 Feb, 2010

    This was delicious, ONCE I added more to it. I used Bobby Flay's recipe and added brown sugar, ancho chile powder and honey. Thank goodness I tasted it before I served it! Once I added the extra ingredients, it was great!

  • smd1227
    15 Jan, 2010

    Here's a link to the BEST sloppy joes I ever made: Rachel Ray Super Sloppy Joes: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/super-sloppy-joes-recipe/.... Trust me! This will become your new recipe.

  • yarnpie
    5 Jan, 2010

    I make these with boca burger crumbles and they come out perfect!

  • uneacadienne
    30 Sep, 2009

    Made these last night! so good and lots of flavor!! Even my picky-eater boyfriend said this recipe was a keeper!

  • hmhque
    16 Sep, 2009

    I exchanged the celery for 2 carrots and added a little Sriracha sauce for spice. I thought they turned out great and my kids 12 and 8 loved them

  • Tryingsomethingnew
    27 Feb, 2009

    This brings back so many great school-hood memories.

  • MaryS
    28 Jan, 2009

    If you don't have tomato sauce on hand you can substitute a 15-oz can of whole tomatoes pureed in the blender with a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste. If you're feeding a crowd (I tripled it) a 28 oz can of tomatoes with a small can of tomato paste was more than needed. (I froze the excess for use in spaghetti sauce.)

  • kate123
    24 Dec, 2008

    I add mustard and a little bit of brown sugar. Or molasses. Yum!

  • Kait40
    15 Sep, 2008

    These are the best. Years ago I used to think Sloppy Joes could only be made with packaged spice mixes. (Which I had to stop using when I developed a fatal allergy to MSG.) I was ever so glad to find this recipe in my Everyday Food. Now I have friends and family both requesting this dish. It is great.

  • granny_heidi
    17 Apr, 2008

    I also add steak sauce and mustard to my sloppy joes. Gives it more of that
    smoky tang flavor. Again, always a big hit with our family of 12 grandkids, one
    on the way.

  • krisx2
    9 Jan, 2008

    Easy and delicious! I couldn't believe how quickly it cooked up too. The whole family loved this, even the toddlers.