Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Sloppy Joes

Soft hamburger buns work best with these kid-friendly sandwiches. Serve with pickles or potato chips.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture in the skillet. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 4

    Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, as desired. Spoon onto the buns, and serve immediately.

  2. planning ahead

    Step 5

    Sloppy Joe mixture keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze individual portions, then defrost as needed.

Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors. Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.
TagsSandwichAmericanGround BeefBeefMeatCanned TomatoTomatoVegetableMainDinnerDairy FreeNut FreeQuickEasySuper BowlCookbooks
Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.