Easy Sloppy Joes makes the ideal busy yet savory weeknight dinner, particularly for families or those with busy schedules who want a simple, savory meal. Mouthwatering Sloppy Joes served on warm hamburger buns are a delicious and popular family dinner—especially in my house! This recipe simmers for half an hour, but it’s well worth the short wait. My husband can’t ever get over how tasty these Sloppy Joes are, and I must agree that they’re quick and irresistible. If you like these, then you'll love my Hamburgers, Steak Fajitas, Copycat Hot Dog on a Stick Recipe, Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry, and Cheesy Pizza Taco Sticks.
History
History is a bit blurry on the history of how Sloppy Joes originated. In the 1930s in Havana, Cuba, there was a bartender who went by the name “Sloppy Joe,” but he earned that title for the unenthusiastic way he cleaned the bar. There was no mention of his name in the newspapers dating back to the 1930s, and the man with the same name retired to Spain in 1933.
Whomever made the Sloppy Joes famous is somewhere out there, but no one really knows who it is. Regardless, Hunt’s made it famous by putting it in a can in 1969 and selling it on grocery store shelves—they call it Manwich.
Kitchen Best SellersAccording to National Day Calendar's article, the Sloppy Joe is one of America’s all-time favorite sandwiches. Its base ingredient is typically ground beef, but you can also use turkey or buffalo, as many people do. Other ingredients that make the flavor “pop” include onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, cola, or maple syrup. Of course, all secret family ingredients can also be added to enhance the flavor. It’s normally just served on a hamburger bun—easy peasy! It’s rarely ever sloppy, as the name suggests.
Toppings?
You don’t need to add anything on the hamburger buns other than the Sloppy Joes. Of course, you can add extra things like sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise, lettuce, or cheese, but my family prefers to eat them just as they are, on warmed hamburger buns.
Home Best SellersTo warm the buns, lightly butter both sides, and place them on a frying pan, on medium-high heat, flipping them after 1-2 minutes on each side. If you like them crispier, double the cook time and keep a close eye on them.
How to Make the Best Sloppy Joes
1). In a medium skillet over medium heat, use a wooden spoon to cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper, for about 8 minutes, or until fully browned. Drain all the liquids.
2). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar, and mix well. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm on hamburger buns.
More Beef Recipes You'll Love!
Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Low-Carb Hamburger Steak and Gravy
Copycat Hot Dog on a Stick Recipe
Kitchen Best SellersFinal Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Easy Weeknight Sloppy Joes, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Easy Weeknight Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp mustard
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 4 tsp brown sugar
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, use a wooden spoon to cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper, for about 8 minutes, or until fully browned. Drain all the liquids.
- tir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar, and mix well. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm on hamburger buns.
Nutrition (per serving)
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