A nostalgic, homey sandwich made with savory ground beef, bell peppers, and onions in a subtly sweet, tomato-based sauce—perfectly messy and always comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that deliver big flavor
Balances sweet and savory beautifully
Flexible—easy to tweak to your taste or what’s on hand

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
¾ cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Hamburger buns, for serving

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until some fat renders (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper; stir and cook until vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked (another 3–5 minutes).
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 20–30 minutes, until thickened and flavorful.
Spoon the hearty meat mixture onto split hamburger buns and serve hot.

Servings And Timing

Makes 6 servings
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Use venison or turkey instead of beef for a leaner or gamey twist
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce for depth and complexity
Boost the aroma and flavor with fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder
Stir in extra chopped onions and bell peppers if you prefer more texture
For a spicy kick, include a few drops of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, serve on freshly toasted buns.

FAQs

1. What Kind Of Beef Should I Use?

Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease while still keeping the mixture moist and flavorful.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and reheat it just before serving.

3. How Do I Thicken The Sauce More?

Simmer the mixture uncovered until it reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally.

4. Can This Be Made Vegetarian Or Vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with lentils, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

5. What Buns Work Best?

Soft hamburger buns work perfectly. You can also use brioche or potato buns for extra richness.

6. Is This Freezer-Friendly?

Yes, the cooked meat mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

7. Can I Make It Spicier?

Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat to your liking.

8. What Sides Pair Well With Sloppy Joes?

Fries, coleslaw, potato chips, baked beans, or a simple salad are all great choices.

9. Can I Reduce The Sugar?

Yes, feel free to reduce or omit the brown sugar based on your preference or dietary needs.

10. How Do I Scale The Recipe For More Servings?

Double or triple the ingredients as needed. Cooking time stays about the same—just use a large enough skillet.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joes II is the kind of timeless, no-fuss comfort food that everyone loves. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and a little simmer time, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.