Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute, then add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Brown the beef until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.
- Tilt the skillet and drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
- Stir in the ketchup until the meat is evenly coated and looks glossy.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- While the sauce simmers, toast the split buns cut-side up in a toaster or toaster oven until golden, about 2–3 minutes.
- Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, cap with the tops, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier version, stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce with the Worcestershire; leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.