Print

Comforting Sloppy Joes Recipe Under $1.50 Per Serving Easy and Budget Friendly

comforting sloppy joes recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, easy, and budget-friendly sloppy joes recipe using simple pantry staples that delivers juicy, tangy, and flavorful comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional: pickle slices
  • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot enough to sizzle.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and break into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent.
  4. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and onion in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the sauce simmers, toast the hamburger buns lightly in a separate pan or toaster.
  7. Spoon generous portions of the meat mixture onto the toasted buns. Add optional pickle slices or shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. If too watery, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes. Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent sticking or burning. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. For lower fat, use lean ground turkey. Worcestershire sauce adds umami; soy sauce can substitute if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, budget-friendly, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, comfort food, quick meals, family dinner

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/comforting-sloppy-joes-recipe-under-1-50-per-serving-easy-and-budget-friendly/