There's something undeniably comforting about homemade and Easy Sloppy Joes! This quick, no-fuss recipe is ready in 30 minutes and delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Heat a non-stick pan to medium-high heat. Add the beef in chunks and break it up using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no more pink remains (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon and drain the excess grease.
Heat the same skillet to medium heat, add the olive oil, onions and peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the tomato paste, stir to combine, then add the beef back in. Stir well to combine.
In a bowl, add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and kosher salt. Mix well to combine and add to the pan with the eat. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
When ready to serve, toast the buns. Spread some mustard, if using, on one side. Add a spoonful of the sloppy joe mixture. To finish, top with pickled onions and pepperoncini if using or your favorite toppings. Serve with a side salad or chips.
Notes
To freeze sloppy joes mixture:
Make the recipe as normal.
You can either freeze the meat and sauce separately or together.
Let the mixture cool completely, then store in an airtight container or ziploc bag for 3 to 6 months.
How To Make Sloppy Joes In An Instant Pot
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Once the meat is browned, remove it and drain the excess grease. Set aside.
Add olive oil to the pot and cook the onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Turn the Instant Pot off and add the cooked beef, tomato paste and all the sauce ingredients. Stir to combine.
Put the lid on and lock it into place. Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode, on High pressure, and set cooking time at 5 minutes. Once the mixture is done cooking, release the pressure. Remove the lid carefully and stir the mixture.
Assemble the sloppy joes.
How To Make Sloppy Joes In A Crock Pot
Just like you would on the stove or Instant Pot, sauté the meat in a skillet until browned. Remove from the pan and drain the excess grease. In the same skillet, cook the onions and bell peppers until soft. Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add the cooked beef, onions, peppers, garlic, tomato paste and the sauce ingredients to a crock pot. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasonings as needed.