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Two stacked sloppy joe sandwiches filled with juicy ground beef and tangy homemade tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served on a white plate.

Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes – Classic Ground Beef Sandwiches with Tangy Homemade Sauce

Samantha
Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes are the ultimate throwback dinner—juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy, savory homemade sauce, piled high on soft sandwich buns. This quick and easy recipe delivers all the bold, comforting flavors of a true American classic, ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Retro-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste optional for richness
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard or dry mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • Butter optional, for toasting buns

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Brown the Beef
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
  • Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients
    Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Step 3: Simmer the Filling
    Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Stir occasionally.
  • Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional)
    Butter the inside of each bun and toast in a skillet until golden. This step keeps your buns from getting soggy.
  • Step 5: Assemble and Serve
    Spoon the beef mixture onto the buns and serve warm with chips, pickles, or a crisp salad.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes

  1. Use 80/20 Ground Beef for Flavor:
    Leaner meat may be tempting, but a classic sloppy joe tastes best with just the right fat content. An 80/20 ground beef ratio delivers rich flavor without being too greasy, making your beef sandwich saucy and satisfying.
  2. Toast the Buns Lightly:
    Don’t skip this step! Lightly toasting the hamburger buns adds a crisp edge that holds up to the juicy sloppy joe filling and keeps your sandwich from falling apart. It’s a game-changer for texture.
  3. Simmer the Sauce to Thicken:
    Give your homemade sloppy joe sauce at least 10–15 minutes to simmer on low. This helps the tangy tomato base meld with brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire, creating a thick and flavorful coating for every bite of meat.
  4. Add a Dash of Apple Cider Vinegar:
    To elevate the tang in your tangy homemade sauce, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. It balances the sweetness and gives your sloppy joes that nostalgic, old-school taste.
  5. Make it Meal-Prep Friendly:
    Double the batch and store leftovers in meal prep containers. Sloppy joe filling holds up beautifully for 3–4 days and makes an easy weeknight dinner when reheated—just keep the buns separate until ready to serve.
  6. Sneak in Veggies for a Nutrition Boost:
    Finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms blend into the ground beef without changing the classic taste. It’s an easy way to make these ground beef sandwiches more wholesome for the whole family.
  7. Don’t Forget the Pickles or Chips:
    Serve your sloppy joes with crunchy dill pickles or kettle chips on the side. That salty crunch pairs perfectly with the soft, saucy meat and adds a nostalgic diner-style touch to your sloppy joe dinner.
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