Homemade Sloppy Joes
Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes with Optional Fiery Citrus Kick
This is the classic, saucy, sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe you grew up with, made in one pan for busy weeknights. Ground beef simmers in a rich tomato base with onions and a hint of brown sugar for that perfect balance. Pile it high on toasted buns and dinner is done in 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
1 cup (240 mL) tomato sauce
1 cup (240 mL) ketchup
2 tablespoons (30 mL) tomato paste
2 tablespoons (30 mL) brown sugar
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (5 mL) yellow mustard
1 teaspoon (5 mL) chili powder
1 teaspoon (5 mL) kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) black pepper
6 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For a Spicy twist. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Hot to your sauce for a bold, spicy citrus kick, or drizzle it over the sandwiches just before serving for a fiery finish.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Brown the beef. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Build the sauce. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and thicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is glossy and thick. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Heat It Up option. For a fiery citrus kick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons Blazing Citrus Hot or save it to drizzle on the sandwiches.
6. Serve. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns. Serve immediately with pickles or coleslaw on the side.
Tips & Variations
Sweeter or tangier: add 1 extra tablespoon brown sugar for sweeter or 1 extra teaspoon yellow mustard for more tang.
Leaner option: swap ground beef for 93 percent lean turkey and add 1 tablespoon olive oil when sautéing.
Veg boost: finely grate a carrot and stir it in with the sauce for subtle sweetness and extra body.
Other Users Suggest
Replace ground beef with 1.5 pounds ground turkey and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to boost savory depth.
Swap ketchup for 3/4 cup ketchup plus 1/4 cup barbecue sauce to add gentle smokiness without extra heat.
Use slider buns and portion 2 tablespoons filling per bun for party snacks, then drizzle 1 teaspoon Blazing Citrus Hot per slider for bold flavor.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Refrigerate: cool completely, then store the meat mixture in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water to loosen, 3 to 5 minutes.
Freeze: portion into freezer bags, lay flat, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 420 Protein: 24g Carbs: 42g Fat: 18g
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