Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
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.
Servings: 4
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.