Koren Beef Sloppy Joes
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.These Korean Beef Sloppy Joes are one of those dinners that feels familiar but still a little different in the best way. You get the classic sloppy joe vibe, but with a savory, slightly sweet sauce that comes together fast and doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s the kind of meal that works on a busy weeknight when you want something comforting without making the same thing you always do.
Looking for more sloppy joe ideas? Try these sloppy joe bowls or big mac sloppy joes.
If you like familiar comfort food with a little extra personality, this recipe is a great one to keep in rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these Korean beef sloppy joes:
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef – I prefer lean ground beef which keeps the fat content down.
Soy Sauce – Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer more control over salt.
Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way; don’t skip it, but measure carefully.
Brown Sugar – Adds balance to the savory ingredients. You can adjust slightly to taste.
Buns – Brioche, potato buns, whole wheat, or standard hamburger buns all work well.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef.
Finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots mix in easily.
Serve the beef in lettuce cups or tortillas instead of buns.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Drain the beef well to keep the sloppy joes from getting soggy.
Toasting the buns helps them hold up better under the sauce.
Stir the sauce frequently so it doesn’t stick or reduce too much.
If the mixture thickens too much, add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Korean Beef Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes. The beef mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and still absorbs the sauce nicely. Just be sure to season and cook it thoroughly..
Can I serve this without buns?
Definitely. The beef is great over rice, in lettuce cups, or even spooned over roasted potatoes.
I hope you love these Korean beef sloppy joes. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
More Dinner Ideas
Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 14 oz ground beef
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Chopped green onions for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ketchup. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- While the beef simmers, lightly toast the buns in a toaster or dry skillet.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom buns. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using. Add the top bun and serve warm.
Notes
- Drain the beef well to keep the sloppy joes from getting soggy.
- Toasting the buns helps them hold up better under the sauce.
- Stir the sauce frequently so it doesn’t stick or reduce too much.
- If the mixture thickens too much, add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it.
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data