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Sloppy Joes

Ground beef in a sweet, tangy tomato sauce piled onto bread. Messy on purpose. A crowd-pleasing dinner that stretches a pound of meat to feed a family.

Nut-FreeEgg-FreeDairy-Free Main Dish
Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Total: 25 min Servings: 4–6 Difficulty: Easy

Allergens: Contains Gluten (bread/buns).

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (fresh or thawed)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Bread or hamburger buns

Optional Extras

  • Ketchup (2 tablespoons — adds sweetness and tang)
  • Mustard (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Stirring spoon

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and sugar. Stir in ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, or Worcestershire if you have them.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  5. Spoon onto bread or buns. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Ground turkey works too. Same method.
  • No buns? Serve on any bread — even toast works. Or serve over rice.
  • The sugar matters. It balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Without it, the flavor is flat.
  • Add a can of beans to stretch it further and add fiber.
  • Leftovers: Great reheated. The sauce thickens overnight — add a splash of water.
  • Kids love this. Embrace the mess.