Description

A kid-friendly, one-pan sloppy joe recipe featuring juicy ground beef and a savory-sweet sauce served on buttery, toasted brioche buns for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
4–6 brioche buns
2 tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting

Instructions

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
Push the beef to the side of the pan and add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir to combine.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the beef is coated in the sauce.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add a splash of water if too dry.
While the sauce simmers, slice brioche buns in half and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Brush cut sides with melted butter.
Broil or toast the buns in a toaster oven for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Toast the brioche buns thoroughly to create a barrier against the sauce and prevent sogginess. Do not over-stir the meat while browning to allow fond to form for better flavor. The recipe is mild by default but can be customized with cayenne or jalapeños for heat. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; freeze the meat mixture only, not the buns.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Sloppy Joe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 25

Keywords: sloppy joes, brioche buns, kid-friendly dinner, one-pan meal, ground beef recipe, family dinner, easy weeknight meals