Sloppy Joes Toasted Buns Pickles (Printable Version)
Saucy ground beef blend with tomato-based sauce on toasted buns, enhanced by tangy dill pickles.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean recommended
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Buns & Toppings
14 - 4 burger buns, sliced and toasted
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter for toasting buns
16 - 1 cup sliced dill pickles
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until vegetables are softened, 3–4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
05 - Meanwhile, butter the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them in a skillet or on a baking sheet until golden brown and crispy.
06 - Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with sliced dill pickles and place the top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making even picky eaters ask for seconds
- Everything comes together in one skillet in under 40 minutes, which is exactly what hectic weeknights demand
02 -
- The sauce needs at least 10 minutes of simmering to thicken properly, otherwise it will slide right off the bun
- Toasting the buns is not optional unless you enjoy eating sandwiches that fall apart completely
03 -
- 85% lean beef gives the best texture and flavor balance
- Letting the sauce rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving makes it easier to scoop