Description
This Sloppy Sauce Beef Sandwich takes the beloved sloppy joe concept up a notch. Ground beef is simmered in a bold, savory-sweet sauce with just the right touch of spice, then piled high on toasted buns for the ultimate messy, mouthwatering sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
For the Sloppy Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat
- ¼ cup water or beef broth (for thinning the sauce)
For Serving
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Pickles, coleslaw, or cheese slices (optional toppings)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper in oil for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the Sloppy Sauce
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Toast buns for extra texture.
- Pile the sloppy beef mixture high onto the bottom half.
- Top with pickles, cheese, or coleslaw if desired.
- Add the top bun and serve immediately with napkins!
Notes
- Add Veggies: Grated carrots or mushrooms blend well and add moisture
- Cheesy Twist: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack before topping
- Spicy Version: Use hot sauce, chipotle, or jalapeños
- Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg