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Sloppy Joe Sauce

Quick Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 335
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 hamburger buns, for serving

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, for about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water until combined.
  3. Bring to a gentle bubble, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  4. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately with pickles or coleslaw.

Notes

If you want the sauce even thicker, simmer it an extra 2 to 3 minutes. The flavor gets better overnight, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead. Let it cool completely before storing.