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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

These Sloppy Joe Sandwiches are saucy, flavorful, and packed with nostalgic comfort. A rich blend of sweet and tangy tomato sauce hugs every bite of juicy ground beef, all tucked into buttery toasted buns. A crowd-pleaser for kids and grown-ups alike!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter to toast the hamburger buns
  • 4 to 6 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain the grease, and set the meat aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté onions until translucent.
  3. Add all sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, and seasonings.
  4. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cooked ground beef and heat through.
  6. Butter the inside of each bun and toast on a griddle until golden.
  7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/sloppy-joe-sandwiches-2/

Notes

  • You can prep the filling ahead and reheat before serving—it tastes even better the next day.
  • Add chopped green bell peppers or jalapeños if you like extra texture or spice.
  • For a leaner version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.