The Perfect Sloppy Joe

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cups yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• 6 buns hamburger buns
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the yellow onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no pink remains, 6–8 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat if desired, then return the beef to the skillet.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
9. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns until lightly golden.
10. If using cheese, layer shredded cheddar on the bottom bun halves to melt with the hot filling.
11. Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns and top with pickles or your favorite toppings.
12. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.