Name: Ultimate Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced (or ½ of a large onion); 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended); 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 4 hamburger buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Sloppy Joe recipe because it’s fast, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor. The sauce has just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and spice, and I can customize it to match my mood. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and I often double the batch for leftovers or meal prep. It’s also great for gatherings—I just keep the filling warm and let everyone build their own sandwiches.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced (or ½ of a large onion)
1 large green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean works well)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns

Directions

I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it starts to shimmer, I add the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. I cook everything together for about 8–10 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns and the veggies soften.
If there’s any excess grease, I drain it off before continuing.
I stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. I make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
I bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. I let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to my liking. If it gets too thick, I add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, I let it cook a bit longer uncovered.
While that’s finishing, I like to toast the hamburger buns for extra texture.
I place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom of each bun, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture over top, dividing it evenly between the four sandwiches.
I serve them hot and melty—so good every time.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

To spice things up, I sometimes add hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For a milder version, I reduce the chili powder or skip the smoked paprika.
If I’m in the mood for extra veggies, I toss in some shredded carrots or chopped mushrooms with the bell pepper.
I’ve also made this with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a low-carb option, I serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over roasted vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover sloppy joe mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I keep it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
It also freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

I like to place them cut-side up under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until they’re just golden. A quick toast in a skillet works too.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely. I’ve used provolone, pepper jack, and even American cheese—it all melts beautifully.

How can I make this vegetarian?

I swap the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. The sauce works great with all of them.

What sides go well with sloppy joes?

I usually serve them with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Chips or roasted veggies also pair nicely.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Sloppy Joes are everything I want in a weeknight meal—quick, comforting, and full of rich, satisfying flavor. With minimal effort and big results, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal-prepping for the week, these sandwiches never disappoint.