Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with your wooden spoon into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and you see golden-brown bits forming.
- Carefully tilt the pan and spoon out excess grease, or transfer the cooked beef to your paper towel-lined plate to drain. Return the drained beef to the pan if you transferred it out.
- Pour the full cup of ketchup directly over the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of meat.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the beef and ketchup mixture. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to help the sugar dissolve completely.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should coat the back of your spoon when it's ready.
- Take a small spoonful and let it cool slightly before tasting. Add another tablespoon of brown sugar if you want it sweeter, or a splash of vinegar if you prefer more tang.
- While the mixture finishes simmering, slice your hamburger buns and place them cut-side down in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes off the heat. Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Choose ground beef with some fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and moisture. Don't skip draining the fat for the best texture. The mixture can be made a day ahead and reheated gently for deeper flavors. Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Always toast the buns to prevent sogginess.