Grandpa's Sloppy Joes

Savor the hearty, nostalgic flavors of "Grandpa's Sloppy Joes," a quick and easy family-favorite meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This classic recipe features savory ground beef simmered with a rich, tangy-sweet sauce made from ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, balanced with hints of smoked paprika, chili powder, and apple cider vinegar. Finely chopped onions and minced garlic add depth, while soft, buttery toasted hamburger buns provide the perfect vessel for this messy, mouthwatering delight. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. Ideal for comfort-food lovers searching for an easy sloppy joe recipe with a homemade twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.75 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup water
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened for toasting buns

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it's browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5

While the meat mixture is simmering, butter the insides of the hamburger buns. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns, buttered side down, until golden brown. Set aside.

Step 6

Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1216.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1910.8

Total Fat 120.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 383.1mg	0%
Sodium 2650.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 141.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 61.2g	0%
Total Sugars 60.0g
Protein 136.5g	0%

Vitamin D 18IU	0%
Calcium 228.8mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 1856.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 25.8%