Classic Sloppy Joes
Updated March 17, 2025
Romulo Yanes for The New York Times. Food Stylist:Vivian Lui
- Total Time
- 22 minutes
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 15 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
FOR THE SAUCE
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
½ teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon molasses
1 garlic clove, finely minced
¼ teaspoon orange zest
Pinch of ground cloves
Hot sauce to taste
FOR THE MEAT
1 pound ground beef
½ small onion, finely chopped
6 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)
29 grams carbs; 54 milligrams cholesterol; 346 calories; 8 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 18 grams fat; 1 gram trans fat; 2 grams fiber; 659 milligrams sodium; 18 grams protein; 10 grams sugar
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Preparation
- Step 1
In a saucepan over low heat combine the sauce ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix well, and simmer while preparing the meat.
- Step 2
Heat a heavy nonstick or cast-iron skillet, at least 10 inches in diameter, over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin, and saute, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink. Turn the meat into a strainer or colander lined with paper towels, allowing the fat to drain off.
- Step 3
Add the onion to the pan, and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Return the meat to the pan, and add the sauce. Heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt, pepper or more hot sauce, if desired. Spoon ½ cup of the mixture over each bun. Serve immediately.
This dish freezes well.
Private Notes
Comments
This makes a manageable amt. of sloppy joes, great if you aren't feeding the whole 7th grade! But we all felt the orange peel gave it kind of a weird taste, so after the first try, I've left it out. Like any good Sloppy Joe recipe, it's very forgiving. Honey instead of molasses? Fine! Any kind of mustard, also OK. But don't skip it altogether. Also, chili sauce in place of ketchup? Genius!
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in place of the orange zest provides a good balance for the sweetness in the molasses and ketchup.
Sometimes you need to eat something that you first encountered in the school cafeteria, when you were ravenously hungry. This recipe replicates the sloppy joes of your childhood, with the some added health benefits (low fat and sodium) that in no way detract from the taste. Buy a large bottle of store brand ketchup and double this recipe--freezes well for those evenings when you need comfort food.
Should have listened to the comments… nobody in my house could even finish theirs due to the overwhelming orange flavor. LEAVE THE ORANGE OUT
Why can’t I just cook the beef and sauce together?
i agree @Juli R, orange zest gives the dish an overall sweetness but in an olfactory way, not in a calorific manner. I put two cloves in the mortar and pestle. A delightful surprise!