Juicy Sloppy Joes Tomatensauce Buns

Category: Impressive Yet Manageable Menu Collections for Hosting

Start by browning ground beef with onions, garlic, and bell pepper in a splash of olive oil until it's all nicely golden. Mix up a bold tomato sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, and tomatoes. Let everything simmer a bit so the beef grabs all that saucy goodness. Scoop this awesome mix while it's hot onto crunchy, toasted buns. Kids and adults both love how filling and comforting this meal is. Want to put your own twist? Tweak the spices or mix-ins. These loaded buns taste best fresh but you can totally adjust as you like.

A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:51:06 GMT
A tray holding two sandwiches stuffed with beef and sauce. Pin
A tray holding two sandwiches stuffed with beef and sauce. | chefmiarecipes.com

Dig into hearty Sloppy Joes, classic American comfort food you can pull together fast. Ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, all piled onto toasted buns. It’s quick, super filling and always a hit with the whole crew.

I remember my kids grinning after their first bite. Sloppy Joes have become a regular on our dinner list, especially when it’s pouring outside.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Hamburger buns: Go for soft brioche or classic buns. Toast them before filling so everything holds up and tastes great.
  • Extra light olive oil or any high-heat oil: For browning the meat.
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Boosts the flavor and adds a punch.
  • Onion and bell pepper or carrot instead: Dice them small so they stay tender and mix well with the beef, sweeten things up and add bite.
  • Fine sea salt and cracked black pepper: Bring out all the flavors.
  • Brown sugar: Rounds everything out and keeps the sauce balanced.
  • Yellow mustard: The classic American kind adds a zippy tang.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a hint of vinegar.
  • Ketchup: For sweetness and umami, try to use one with tomato paste.
  • Tomato sauce: This is your base—pick a brand with minimal sugar for a real tomato kick.
  • Ground beef: Skip extra lean and use 85 to 90 percent lean. Full of flavor but not dry.

Easy Step-by-Step

Dish it up:
Spoon that warm, beefy mixture over your toasted buns. Dig in right away, straight from the skillet if you want.
Let it simmer:
Bring the heat down low, throw in your sauce, and mix. Simmer uncovered for 10 or 15 minutes so everything thickens up. Stir now and then. If it’s too stiff, splash in a bit of water. Want it thicker? Let it go a few more minutes. Taste and tweak the seasoning.
Add your sauce:
Pour the saucy mixture you set aside into the pan. Give it a good stir with the beef and veggies.
Toss in the veggies:
Add in onion and pepper (or carrot), cook another five minutes, stirring, till soft and everything browns nicely. Add garlic, stir for half a minute till it smells amazing, but don’t let it burn.
Brown the beef:
Heat up oil in a big nonstick skillet or heavy pot on medium-high. Drop in the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks for about five minutes until it’s all browned with no pink left. Got extra fat in the pan? Drain it off or blot with a paper towel. Hit it with salt and pepper.
Get your sauce ready:
Mix tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl till smooth. Set aside for flavors to mingle.
A saucy sandwich on a wooden block. Pin
A saucy sandwich on a wooden block. | chefmiarecipes.com

Good Stuff to Know

  • Packed with protein so it keeps you full
  • Freezes great and actually tastes even better after a day or two
  • Want to turn up the heat? Toss in chili powder or hot paprika

My personal favorite touch is Worcestershire sauce. It's got that little something that makes every bite just right. The first time I tried one in the US, sauce ran down my hands and we just cracked up laughing.

Storing Leftovers

  • The filling will keep two or three days in a sealed container in the fridge and somehow gets even tastier
  • For freezing, let the meat cool totally and portion it out before putting it in the freezer
  • Warm it up in a saucepan with a splash of water so it stays moist

Swaps and Options

  • You can swap in mixed ground meat instead of just beef
  • Lentils or soy crumbles make this easily veggie-friendly
  • No ketchup? Blend up tomato paste, a squirt of honey, and a splash of vinegar instead
  • Use shredded carrot instead of pepper for mild sweetness

Serving Ideas

  • Fries or baked potatoes are a classic side
  • Crisp coleslaw keeps things fresh on your plate
  • Creamy yogurt or ranch dip is good for dunking
  • Party time? Make sliders with little milk buns, everyone loves ‘em
A sandwich with chili and potatoes on a wooden block. Pin
A sandwich with chili and potatoes on a wooden block. | chefmiarecipes.com

Food Culture Fun Facts

  • Sloppy Joes have been a go-to comfort meal in America since the thirties
  • They started as a cheap, quick lunch—kids are wild for them
  • In Germany, folks always talk about these messy sandwiches—they’re a little unruly but that’s half the fun

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I swap out the meat?

Sure! You can use ground turkey or even a meatless option. Cook time pretty much stays the same.

→ How do I get the buns extra crunchy?

Just cut the buns in half and toast them for a few minutes in the oven or toaster. Makes them nicely golden.

→ Can I change how sweet the sauce is?

Absolutely! Play around with how much ketchup and brown sugar you add. Make it just how you like it.

→ Can I use different veggies?

Yup. Swap out bell pepper for grated carrot or zucchini. Gives it your own spin.

→ How long can I keep leftovers?

Stick the meat mix covered in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat before serving.

Beef Buns Messy Sauce

Flavor-packed ground beef in tomato sauce sitting on fluffy golden buns. A true crowd-pleaser for families.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Elegant Entertaining

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Recipe Cuisine: American

Recipe Yield: 5 Number of Servings (5 servings)

Dietary Categories: Dairy-Free Option

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ For the sauce

01 2–3 tsp brown sugar, taste and adjust
02 1.5 tsp yellow mustard, not too hot
03 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
04 60 ml ketchup
05 425 ml canned tomato sauce

→ For the filling

06 5 burger buns, toasted if you want
07 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 0.5 small green bell pepper, very finely diced (or swap for 60 g grated carrot)
09 1 small onion, chopped up small
10 0.25 tsp fresh ground black pepper, more or less to taste
11 0.5 tsp fine sea salt, add as much as you like
12 450 g ground beef (aim for 85–90% lean)
13 1 tbsp light olive oil or another neutral oil that works for frying hot

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Spoon everything onto your toasted burger buns and dig in while it’s still hot.

Step 02

Pour the sauce in with the beef. Let everything bubble up, then drop the heat and let it gently thicken uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add a splash of water or any extra seasoning if you want.

Step 03

Add bell pepper and onion. Cook all that for 5 more minutes until it’s soft and the meat is nicely browned. Mix in garlic and keep stirring for half a minute so it releases its smell.

Step 04

Put oil and ground beef into a big skillet or Dutch oven that’s hot over medium-high heat. Break the beef up as it cooks and keep going for about 5 minutes, until there’s no pink left. Mop up any extra fat with paper towels or pour it out. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Stir together tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl. Set aside for later.

Extra Information

  1. Want things milder? Just use carrot instead of bell pepper.

Essential Tools

  • Big frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Has gluten (buns) and mustard. Ketchup and Worcestershire might have traces of celery or soy.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 359
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 33 grams
  • Protein Content: 24 grams