Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The meat should turn a nice brown color. Make sure to drain any excess grease before moving to the next step.
Once the ground beef is browned and drained, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, it’ll infuse the pan with a rich flavor.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Stir it around and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes transparent and fragrant. This step allows the onions to soften and sweeten, adding depth to your dish.
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and white vinegar. Give everything a good mix until combined well. The sauce should start bubbling slightly, creating a wonderful aroma.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it to avoid any bubbling over!
After simmering, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is coated evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
While the filling is cooking, take the remaining butter and spread it on the inside of the hamburger buns. Toast them on a griddle pan until golden brown. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the buns, adding a lovely crunch.
Once the filling is ready and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble. Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each bun. The filling should be heaping, making for a deliciously messy sandwich!
Enjoy your Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes while they’re hot. You can serve them with a side of chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
