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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Classic Sloppy Joes

These classic sloppy joes are saucy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. A timeless family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and never fails to satisfy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup onion chopped
  • ¼ cup green bell pepper chopped
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Chop the onion and bell pepper.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned, about 6–8 minutes.
  3. Add ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir and simmer on low for 10 minutes.
  5. Butter and toast hamburger buns until golden.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture onto buns. Serve warm with optional cheese.
  7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/classic-sloppy-joes/

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, swap ketchup with tomato sauce and a splash of Worcestershire.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
  • Great served with pickles, fries, or coleslaw.