Go Back
Sloppy joes
Print Pin

Sloppy Joes for Picky Eaters

A sloppy joe recipe that packs plenty of flavor without anything fussy eaters will want to pick out.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder see note
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns or rolls toasted, if desired

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until brown. If a lot of excess fat has accumulated in the skillet, spoon it out, leaving a tablespoon or so.
  • Stir in garlic and tomato paste, if using, and cook for another minute.
  • Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring once or twice, for about 15 minutes, or until liquid has reduced to your liking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve on hamburger buns or rolls.

Notes

  1. The chili powder called for here is the US version, which is a mild blend of chilies, cumin, paprika and a few other spices. Do not substitute with chili powder made completely from chilies or this will be really spicy. You can find recipes for US chili powder online if you can't buy it; Spend with Pennies has a recipe that looks good.
  2. Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman.