How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Chef John'S Sloppy Joes?

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef, 1/2 onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, and more.

Is Chef John'S Sloppy Joes suitable as meat & poultry?

Yes, Chef John'S Sloppy Joes falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Chef John'S Sloppy Joes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Chef John'S Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Chef John'S Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef; 1/2 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup water; 3/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 dash Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup water; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Try this homemade Chef John'S Sloppy Joes recipe the whole family will love. Made with extra lean ground beef, onion, garlic and green bell pepper. Easy…

This Chef John'S Sloppy Joes relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as extra lean ground beef, onion, diced, garlic, minced and green bell pepper, diced. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 549 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Chef John'S Sloppy Joes

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions