Single Guy Sloppy Joes

My fiancé’s friend was stunned to hear that I made Sloppy Joes. “It wasn’t out of a packet?”

She’d never heard of a guy making Sloppy Joes. I’m not sure if she knew you could make them without a store-bought mix, but mainly she was flabbergasted that a man did it.

🙄

This recipe isn’t especially unique or original. But it’s easy and way delicious. And, apparently, really impressive.

Thanks to Big Chet in the test kitchen and to Robin for doing all the work.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Main:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼-½ cup water or beef broth (for consistency)

To Serve:

• Soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls work best)
• Butter for toasting
• Pickle slices or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Base

• Heat a skillet over medium-high.
• Add beef, breaking it up as it browns (5–6 minutes).
• Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, ~3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Build Sauce

• Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
• Add water or broth to loosen; bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer

• Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick but spoonable.
• Adjust salt, pepper, or sugar to taste.

Step 4: Toast Buns

• Butter and toast buns in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.

Step 5: Assemble

• Spoon filling generously onto toasted buns.
• Optional: top with pickle chips, cheese, or a dash of hot sauce (we love Texas Pete and Cholula around here).