What is a Sloppy Joe?
Though the name may not sound super appealing, sloppy joe-type recipes (aka a “loose meat sandwich”) have been around since the early 20th century, known by several different names then, and have since become an American family and childhood favorite. A sloppy joe is a type of American sandwich that contains a saucy ground beef mixture made with a rich tomato-based sauce of onions, tomato sauce/ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and several other seasonings, then served on a hamburger bun (or sometimes hotdog bun). The combination of the thick, rich filling made with a homemade sweet and savory sauce and stuffed into a big fluffy bun makes for a (slightly messy – but thoroughly enjoyable) cozy, super satisfying meal that’s wholeheartedly adult and child-approved. Best of all, they’re so inexpensive and easy to make from home! They come together using only basic ingredients with minimal effort and one pan in under 30 minutes. It also tastes infinitely better than any canned sauce (with healthier ingredients, too!).
Ingredients for homemade Sloppy Joes
Ground beef: I prefer to use ground beef between 85-90% lean, so it’s not overly “greasy.” However, use slightly fattier beef if preferred.
You can also make a homemade sloppy joe recipe with other ground meat, like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian/vegan ground beef alternative.
Olive oil: Or another neutral cooking oil. Aromatics: Both onions and garlic are used to create a flavor-packed base. Bell pepper: I used a green bell pepper, but red would be fine, too. Ketchup: Use regular, reduced sugar/sodium, all-natural ketchup, or homemade ketchup. It’s up to you. Mustard: I used yellow mustard, though Dijon would work, too, for a more intense, slightly spicier flavor in the homemade sloppy joe sauce. Tomato paste: To enhance the ketchup with a rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Brown sugar: (or honey) To balance the various flavors in the sauce. Adjust the amount to taste, as preferences vary. Worcestershire sauce: This tangy sauce is packed with umami flavor to add depth. Chili powder: Alternatively, use cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to taste. Salt & black pepper: To season the sloppy joe mixture to taste. Hamburger buns: Just plain white hamburger buns/dinner rolls are the traditional choice, but feel free to use cheese buns, pretzel buns, hotdog buns, etc.
You might also enjoy serving them with toppings like a mozzarella or cheddar slice, sliced cucumber pickles, homemade coleslaw, sliced jalapenos (fresh or pickled jalapenos), etc.
How to make homemade Sloppy Joes
First, finely chop the onion and green pepper and mince or grate the garlic. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the beef to the pan, using your spatula to break it into crumbles as it browns. Add the salt, pepper, and chili powder, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. If you’ve used fatty meat, optionally drain excess grease before moving to the next step. Add the tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, water, and sugar, stirring well. Then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture has thickened. At this point, taste and adjust any flavorings/seasonings, too. Leaving it to rest for a few minutes off-heat can help it to further thicken, making it easier to serve. Optionally (highly recommended to avoid soggy buns), toast the inside of the burger buns in a dry pan and then serve the sloppy joes loaded with the meat mixture – enjoy!
Can you make Sloppy Joes in a crockpot?
It’s really simple to adjust this recipe to a crock pot. Just sauté the aromatics and brown the beef in a skillet. Then transfer everything (except the buns) to the crockpot, stir, and cook over LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
What to serve with Sloppy Joes?
These oven-baked beef short ribs are melt-in-the-mouth tender and absolutely packed with rich and delicious flavor, perfect for serving alongside:
Creamy mashed potatoes, Crispy oven-baked french fries, potato wedges or sweet potato fries, Crisp potato chips, Homemade cornbread or this easy garlic bread recipe, Side salads like coleslaw, potato salad, or a leafy green garden salad, Creamy mac n’ cheese, Boston baked beans, Corn on the cob, Creamed spinach or sauteed spinach.
How to use leftover Sloppy Joe meat
You can use sloppy joe meat as a topping for baked potatoes, hotdogs, buttermilk biscuits, rice/ quinoa, or nachos/fries. It’ll also taste delicious in stuffed bell peppers, grilled cheese, stirred into pasta dishes, and more!
Can you make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Make ahead sloppy joes are a family meal-prep staple. Just prepare the sloppy joe meat, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s also freezer-friendly in containers or freezer bags (spread flat, excess air removed) for 2-3 months. Leave it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight when needed. Reheat it on the stovetop or in a microwave (2-3 minutes) with an extra splash of liquid if needed.
More beef favorites
Homemade Chili Big Mac Salad Hamburger Casserole Meatloaf Hamburger Helper
If you try this sloppy joes recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
