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Easy Juicy Sheet Pan Sloppy Joes Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy sheet pan sloppy joe recipe that combines juicy ground beef with buttery toasted buns, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (6 fl oz / 180 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup / 60 g) softened butter
  • 8 soft hamburger buns (brioche or classic white)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  3. Spread diced onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic evenly across a large rimmed sheet pan. Add ground beef on top and gently break it up with a spoon or spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until the beef is mostly browned and the veggies have softened.
  5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drain excess fat carefully.
  6. Pour the sloppy joe sauce evenly over the beef mixture and stir gently on the sheet pan to combine. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
  7. While the sauce bakes, spread softened butter generously on the cut sides of the buns. Optionally, sprinkle garlic powder or paprika on top.
  8. Arrange the buttered buns cut-side up around the edges of the pan or on a separate smaller pan. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and toasty.
  9. Spoon the juicy sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

Drain excess fat after initial baking to avoid soggy buns. Butter buns well before toasting to create a barrier that prevents sogginess. Watch buns carefully during last bake to avoid burning. For a cheesy version, add shredded cheddar or pepper jack during final minutes of baking. Can substitute half ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, sheet pan recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef, buttery buns, quick recipe, family meal