Sloppy Joes
📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic American comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, simmered with onions, green peppers, and celery. Served hot on hamburger buns.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 40 mins | None | 6-8 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large skillet
- Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lb | Hamburger (Ground Beef) | Raw |
| 1/2 Cup | Onion | Chopped |
| 7 oz | Catsup (Ketchup) | None |
| 1/2 Cup | Water | None |
| 1/4 Cup | Green Pepper | Finely chopped |
| 1/4 Cup | Celery | Finely chopped |
| 1/8 Cup | Lemon Juice | Approximately 2 Tbsp |
| 1 Tbsp | Brown Sugar | None |
| 1 Tbsp | Worcestershire Sauce | None |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Salt | None |
| 1 Tbsp | Vinegar | None |
| 3/4 tsp | Prepared Mustard | None |
| To taste | Black Pepper | None |
| 1 Tbsp | MSG | Optional |
For Serving
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| As needed | Hamburger Buns | For serving |
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the 2 lb hamburger (ground beef) and 1/2 cup onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Break up the meat as it cooks until fully browned and aromatic.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
- Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add all the remaining ingredients except the buns: 7 oz catsup (ketchup), 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup green pepper, 1/4 cup celery, 1/8 cup lemon juice, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 3/4 tsp prepared mustard, black pepper, and 1 Tbsp MSG if using.
- Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until rich and thickened.
Step 3: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Serve the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously spooned onto hamburger buns.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Original Recipe Scan
