These smoky Sloppy Joels, named for my uncle Joel, are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, game days, or casual family dinners.
Packed with rich ground beef, tangy ketchup, bold mustard, and a touch of liquid smoke, every bite delivers that classic messy sandwich flavor with a deep, savory twist.
The slow simmer allows the sauce to thicken into a hearty, flavorful filling that piles perfectly onto soft hamburger buns.
Serve these crowd-pleasing sandwiches with fries, chips, or coleslaw for an easy meal everyone will want again and again.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the ketchup, dried minced onion, brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and minced garlic. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes rich and hearty.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.
Chefs Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a little more liquid smoke a few drops at a time.
- Top with sliced pickles or shredded cheddar cheese for even more flavor.
- This filling can be made ahead and reheated for easy lunches or dinners.
- Serve with crispy fries, potato chips, or creamy coleslaw for a classic diner-style meal.