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. Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: for a bold, fiery twist, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Hot to the sauce or drizzle on the finished sandwiches for a spicy citrus pop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon 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 for a bold, spicy citrus kick, or drizzle it over the sandwiches just before serving for a fiery finish.

Purchase

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.

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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.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 42 g
Fat: 18 g

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Explore More Recipes from Eleven Eleven Sauce

1. Easy Classic Meatloaf

2. Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

3. Crispy Fried Chicken

4. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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