Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting sandwich packed with rich flavor, this Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe is exactly what you need. Made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, these sloppy joes are savory, saucy, and incredibly satisfying. The recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to become a family favorite. With tender toasted buns and a perfectly balanced filling, this classic American comfort food comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish.

What Is Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe?

Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe is a rich and flavorful ground beef sandwich filling simmered with onions, garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar for the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The meat mixture becomes thick, glossy, and deliciously saucy, making it ideal for spooning onto soft toasted hamburger buns.

The texture is hearty and comforting with tender beef and a smooth sauce that coats every bite. Unlike overly sweet sloppy joe recipes, this version keeps the flavors balanced and satisfying while remaining easy enough for beginner cooks to master.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ cup water

For Serving

• 6 hamburger buns
• Butter, for toasting buns
• Pickles, optional
• Coleslaw, optional

How to Make Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe

• Prepare the buns: Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or under the grill until golden and lightly crisp. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
• Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
• Add the seasonings: Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
• Make the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and water. Stir thoroughly until fully combined.
• Simmer the filling: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sloppy joe mixture for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
• Assemble and serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe filling onto toasted buns. Add pickles or coleslaw if desired, then serve immediately while warm and saucy.

Helpful Tips

How Do You Keep Sloppy Joes From Becoming Too Watery?

Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens properly. If the filling still seems loose, continue cooking for several more minutes while stirring occasionally.

Can You Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Beef?

Yes, ground turkey works very well in this recipe. Add an extra teaspoon of olive oil if using lean turkey to keep the filling moist and flavorful.

Why Should You Toast The Buns?

Toasting creates a barrier that helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy while adding extra texture and flavor.

What Is The Best Beef For Sloppy Joes?

Ground beef with around 80% lean meat gives the best flavor while still keeping the filling juicy and tender.

Can You Make The Filling Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. The filling actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy French fries
• Pair with potato wedges or sweet potato fries
• Add creamy coleslaw on the side
• Serve with dill pickles for extra crunch
• Pair with macaroni salad or potato salad

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Do not leave sloppy joe filling at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store cooled sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

The filling freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 760mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Martha Stewart’S Sloppy Joe Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Rich and hearty sloppy joe sandwiches made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce and served on toasted buns.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 6 hamburger buns

• Butter for toasting buns

Directions

• Lightly butter and toast the hamburger buns until golden.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook onion and bell pepper until softened.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Stir in tomato paste, seasonings, and spices.
• Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and water.
• Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until thick and glossy.
• Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto toasted buns and serve warm.

Notes

• Toast buns before serving for the best texture.
• Simmer uncovered to properly thicken the sauce.
• The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.