Description
This easy Sloppy Joe recipe with 3 ingredients is the perfect meal for busy nights! Made with just ground beef, ketchup, and mustard (or brown sugar), it’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Serve it on toasted buns with your favorite sides for a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup ketchup (or tomato sauce for a less sweet option)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or 1 tbsp brown sugar for a sweeter taste)
- Optional: 1 tsp Soy sauce for extra depth
For Serving
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted for better texture)
- Optional toppings: Cheese slices, pickles, or coleslaw
Instructions
Instructions
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Brown the Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.
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Add the Sauce – Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup and mustard (or brown sugar) until the beef is fully coated. Mix well to combine all flavors.
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Simmer for Flavor – Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce thicken and blend with the beef for the best taste.
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Assemble the Sandwiches – Toast the hamburger buns for extra texture, then spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
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Serve & Enjoy – Top with your favorite toppings, close the sandwich, and serve hot with a side of fries, coleslaw, or pickles!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce: Let the mixture simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
- For a spicier version: Add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce.
- Meat substitutes: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different variation.
- Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Storage: Leftover Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy sloppy joe recipe 3 ingredients, quick sloppy joes, homemade sloppy joes, 3-ingredient ground beef recipe, classic sloppy joe, easy dinner idea, family-friendly meal, budget-friendly recipe