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Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe Easy School Cafeteria Style

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A nostalgic, easy-to-make sloppy joe recipe that replicates the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors of school cafeteria sloppy joes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4–6 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften and onions turn translucent.
  3. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting slowly for balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
  6. Toast the hamburger buns lightly, optionally buttering them before toasting.
  7. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and serve immediately while hot and messy.

Notes

For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter version but watch moisture levels. Do not skip the simmering step to develop flavors. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste depending on ketchup brand. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joes, homemade sloppy joes, school cafeteria style, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/classic-homemade-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-school-cafeteria-style/