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Tasty Messy Beef Sandwiches

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

This from-scratch take on the beloved sandwich mixes ground beef with a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet homemade sauce. So much tastier than anything from a can.

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Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:43:06 GMT
A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with a hearty meat filling, served on a golden-brown bun and resting on a wooden plate. Pin it
A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with a hearty meat filling, served on a golden-brown bun and resting on a wooden plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Forget store-bought versions - these homey Sloppy Joes are way better! I've played with this mix for ages and finally got that perfect sweet-tangy-savory combo just right. The game-changer? Raw veggies and a totally homemade sauce that has folks reaching for more. Your house will smell fantastic too!

What Makes These Special

One pan does all the work so there's barely any dishes (big win)! The sauce balances everything perfectly - sweetness and tang in harmony. You can tweak it however you want - pile in more vegetables, swap the protein, or kick up the heat. The kids at my table love adding their own toppings which makes eating more fun!

Gather What You Need

  • Good Buns: Give them a quick toast, you won't regret it!
  • Don't Forget: Crunchy pickles finish it perfectly.
  • Secret Weapons: Brown sugar, paprika, chili powder.
  • Sauce Stars: Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce.
  • Fresh Veggies: Plenty of garlic, green pepper, onion.
  • Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 for the best taste.

Cooking Time

Assembly Time
Get those buns toasted, pile on the mixture, add pickles and grab napkins - you'll definitely need them!
Make It Saucy
Throw everything back together with seasonings and sauces, then let it bubble away until it's thick and delicious.
Veggie Time
Use those fantastic meat juices to cook veggies until they're soft and caramelized.
Brown Your Beef
Use high heat to get a nice crust - those crispy parts mean extra flavor!
Get Those Veggies Ready
Dice everything tiny so they'll disappear into the sauce for extra richness.

Switch Things Up

Go for turkey if you want something not as heavy. Toss in hidden veggies like chopped mushrooms or grated carrots. Need more kick? Throw in some hot sauce or pepper flakes. Craving sweetness? Just add a bit more brown sugar. This dish bends to whatever you fancy!

Think Ahead

Cook extra because it tastes even better tomorrow! It'll stay good in your fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Just remember one thing - only put meat on buns right when you're eating or you'll end up with mush.

Three hamburger buns filled with a savory meat mixture sit on a wooden platter, with a green chili pepper nearby. Pin it
Three hamburger buns filled with a savory meat mixture sit on a wooden platter, with a green chili pepper nearby. | cookingkitchn.com

Complete Your Dinner

Pair these with crunchy regular fries or orange sweet potato chunks. Want something green? Throw together some tangy slaw or a simple salad. Add cold drinks like fizzy soda or fresh lemonade and you're all set! Grab plenty of napkins though - they're called sloppy for good reason!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this beforehand?

Yeah, the sauce warms up great.

→ How can I keep the buns firm?

Give them a quick toast and eat right away.

→ Will ground turkey work too?

Absolutely, try any ground meat you like.

→ Can I store this in the freezer?

Sure thing, the sauce stays good frozen for 3 months.

→ Is there a way to make it less sweet?

Just use less or skip the brown sugar or molasses.

Messy Beef Sandwiches

A filling sandwich with flavorful ground beef swimming in a thick tomato sauce. Old-fashioned comfort eating made at home.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef (lean variety).
02 1 small onion (yellow), diced.
03 1 green pepper, diced.
04 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
05 1 tablespoon oil from olives.
06 1 teaspoon salt (kosher).
07 1/4 teaspoon pepper (black).
08 1 teaspoon powder from chilis.
09 1 teaspoon sweet paprika.
10 15 ounces sauce made from tomatoes.
11 1/3 cup tomato ketchup.
12 1/4 cup plain water.
13 2 tablespoons yellow mustard.
14 1 tablespoon sauce from Worcestershire.
15 1 teaspoon sugar (brown).
16 4-6 buns for hamburgers.
17 Sliced pickles (if you want).

Instructions

Step 01

Cut all veggies into tiny pieces.

Step 02

Sear beef on high till browned, set aside.

Step 03

Sauté veggies till soft and clear.

Step 04

Stir in spices and cook till you smell them.

Step 05

Put beef back in, pour all sauce stuff.

Step 06

Let it bubble for 10-15 mins till it gets thick.

Step 07

Put meat on warm, crispy buns.

Notes

  1. You can make this beforehand.
  2. Keeps well in the freezer.
  3. Warm up the buns first.
  4. Make it sweeter if you want.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big frying pan.
  • Spoon with holes.
  • Cups and spoons for measuring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Buns contain wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~