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A photo of a single, perfectly assembled sloppy joe on a soft, golden-brown brioche bun topped with sesame seeds. (Sloppy Joe Recipe)

The Ultimate Thick and Glossy Sloppy Joe Recipe

This highly elevated Sloppy Joe Recipe features coarsely ground beef simmered in a thick, glossy, reddish-brown tomato sauce, served perfectly over a soft, golden-brown toasted sesame brioche bun.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb coarsely ground beef (80/20) Provides the best texture and flavor.
  • 4 brioche buns Soft, top quality.
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds For topping the buns.
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion Finely diced.
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper Cut into tiny flecks.
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup Base of the glossy sauce.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Adds necessary tang.
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar Creates the sweet, glossy finish.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For deep umami flavor.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sauteing aromatics.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt To taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for browning the meat perfectly.
  • 1 Wooden spoon Used for breaking the ground beef into coarse crumbles.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onions and tiny flecks of red bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft.
  2. Push the vegetables to the edges. Add 1 lb of coarsely ground beef to the center. Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then break into coarse crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir vigorously to coat the meat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce is deeply reddish-brown, thick, and glossy.
  4. Slice the brioche buns in half. Lightly butter the cut sides and toast in a warm skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden-brown. Top the buns with sesame seeds.
  5. Spoon the thick, glossy meat mixture generously over the bottom half of the toasted brioche buns so it spills over the sides slightly. Top with the crown and serve on a light grey, matte ceramic plate.

Notes

Do Not Rush the Simmer: Letting the liquid evaporate fully is critical for a thick sauce that won't make your bun soggy.
Let It Rest: Resting the meat mixture for 3 minutes off the heat thickens the sugary tomato sauce for the ultimate glossy finish.