Easy Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes

Easy Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6

Meta Description:
Make dinner simple and delicious with this easy Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes recipe. Juicy ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce served on soft buns—perfect for family meals or weeknight cooking.

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What Are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food, made from ground beef cooked in a tangy, savory tomato-based sauce and served on soft hamburger buns. Cooking them in a Dutch oven makes preparation easy, ensures even cooking, and lets flavors meld beautifully.

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 6 hamburger buns

• Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Preheat your Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Remove excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the Dutch oven.

2. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

2. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Serve

1. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns.

2. Add optional toppings like pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw.

3. Serve hot for a crowd-pleasing meal.

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Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

• Dutch oven advantage: Even heat ensures meat cooks perfectly and sauce thickens beautifully.

• Sweet and tang balance: Adjust sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.

• Make ahead: Sloppy Joe mixture can be made in advance and reheated—flavors improve over time.

• Variations: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s:

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 40 minutes

• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike

• Versatile: Can be made ahead or customized with toppings

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with fries, chips, or a simple green salad.

• Pair with a cold soda, iced tea, or a craft beer for a complete meal.

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped green pepper
• 1-2/3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon steak sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 8 to 10 hamburger buns, split

Instructions

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the beef, onion, celery and green pepper until meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain.
Stir in the next nine ingredients. 

Simmer, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. 

Spoon about ½ cup meat mixture onto each bun. Enjoy !

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