Sloppy Johnny Recipe
Make Sloppy Johnny Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Beef mixture
Sloppy sauce
To serve
Method
Beef mixture
- 1
- 2
Cook aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to brown the garlic.
- 3
Brown the beef
Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break the meat into pieces with a spatula and cook until no pink remains and edges begin to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if more than 1 tablespoon remains. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, stirring to combine.
Sloppy sauce
- 4
Combine sauce ingredients
While the beef finishes cooking, whisk together in a small bowl: 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (if using).
- 5
Simmer with broth
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned beef and vegetables. Add 1/2 cup beef broth (or water). Stir thoroughly to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat, 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for brightness if desired.
To serve
- 6
- 7
Assemble sandwiches
Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy beef onto the toasted or untoasted bottom bun, top with pickles or sliced cheddar if using, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately while hot and saucy.
- 8
Storage
Cool leftover meat mixture to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.