Homemade Sloppy Joe’s Recipe
When I was growing up, Sloppy Joe’s were a staple in our house. My mom used jarred sauce and I loved every sloppy, messy second when I was devouring my sandwiches. I created this homemade Sloppy Joe recipe so that you can enjoy all the fabulous flavors of Sloppy Joe’s, but without the Manwich. I promise you and your family are going to adore the homemade taste and won’t miss the salt, sugar, and additives in the canned stuff. Homemade Sloppy Joe’s are so easy, ready in less than 20 minutes, and made in just one skillet on the stovetop, which means for fast and easy cleanup. Best of all, they are kid and picky-eater approved, making Sloppy Joe’s a no-brainer meal on those busy weeknights. Of course, they are a classic summertime get-together favorite for Memorial or Labor Day Weekends, or gradations. And calling all game-day fans and hosts, these are a crowd favorite that everyone loves!
Sloppy Joe Ingredients
This recipe uses a homemade sloppy joe sauce, which takes just a few minutes to whip up. I also provide stovetop directions in case you prefer the stovetop. To make these mouthwatering Sloppy Joe’s, you’ll just need the following easy-to-find ingredients:
Olive oil Ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork) White or yellow onion Green bell pepper Tomato sauce Tomato paste Ketchup Light brown sugar Worcestershire sauce Garlic powder Kosher salt Black pepper Buns, for serving
How to Make Sloppy Joe’s From Scratch
Sloppy Joe’s are so fast and easy to make! Here’s an overview of how the sandwiches come together. Step 1: Begin by adding the oil, beef or turkey, onion, and green bell pepper. Step 2: Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. The onions and peppers will be softened. Step 3: Drain the mixture well, and add all the remaining ingredients, minus the buns. Step 4: Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, slice the buns, and when you’re ready add the meat mixture and dig in.
What’s the Best Ground Beef for Sloppy Joe’s?
I have made homemade Sloppy Joe’s with ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, and even ground pork. For those wanting very traditional Sloppy Joe flavor and texture, go with ground beef. I recommend lean ground beef in the 85-93% range.
Can I Use Ground Pork?
Ground pork isn’t as common to have laying around, but the Sloppy Joe’s are nice and flavorful if you use ground pork. Although pork is “the other white meat,” it seems to have a mouthfeel closer to ground beef so if you’re a beef fan but want a leaner option, you can give it a whirl.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken?
If you don’t eat red meat or you’re wanting to make a healthier version of Sloppy Joe’s I recommend using ground turkey. However, because turkey is so lean, I recommend adding the upper recommended range for the quantity of olive oil. Also take care not to over-brown or overcook the turkey as it will just dry out more and the texture can get a little odd. If you’re deciding between ground turkey and ground chicken, I personally like ground turkey better in general than ground chicken. For example, I prefer and use it in my Turkey Chili recipe as well as in this Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry. Although if you have ground chicken on hand or you’re just a ground chicken person, go for it. There’s enough sauce and other flavors going on that truth be told it will be just fine.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe’s
For this Sloppy Joe recipe from scratch, I used a classic hamburger bun with sesame seeds on top, but you can use your favorite buns from seeded to non-seeded. Or try a Kaiser roll, pretzel roll, or really whatever you enjoy. For those who are gluten-free, trying to keep their carbs down, out of buns, or whatever the reason, baked sweet potatoes topped with the Sloppy Joe meat mixture are awesome! Something about the natural sweetness from a roasted sweet potato that’s perfectly complemented by the slight sweetness that the saucy Sloppy Joe mixture has. Give it a try! These Cheesy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes would be a great jumping off point. Just add a little Sloppy Joe meat on top and dig in! Don’t forget to add cheese because it really makes the recipe pop.
Sloppy Joe’s Hot Dogs
Another serving option that comes to mind is making an amped up ‘chili dog’. Take it a step further and make a ‘sloppy dog’ by adding the Sloppy Joe’s meat mixture over a grilled hot dog, bratwurst, sausage, or kielbasa. The sauce soaks into the hot dog-style bun and the flavor combo is just perfect albeit decadent. Hey, at least you’re getting your protein in!
Can I Make Sloppy Joe’s In a Slow Cooker?
I recommend making them on the stovetop as recommended because it’s so fast and easy. However, if you want to keep the mixture warm for a party, event, potluck, or something to that nature, I would transfer the cooked Sloppy Joe’s mixture into your Crock-Pot and set it to low to keep it warm.
Storage Instructions
Feel free to make a double-batch if you’re feeding a larger family or group. Double everything, easy as that. Sloppy Joe’s are of course great when fresh, but like most red sauce-based dishes, the flavors develop over time so don’t be surprised if your reheated leftovers taste as good or better than when you made the dish! The meat mixture will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Can Sloppy Joe Meat Be Frozen?
Yes, the homemade sloppy joe sauce and meat mixture freezes incredibly well. Let it cool to room temperature, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe’s
For me, the whole point of making Sloppy Joe’s from scratch is to get dinner on the table quickly. So I see no need to fuss with complicated sides! Here are some side dishes you can serve with the Sloppy Joe’s:
Classic Mashed Potatoes Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad Crispy Parmesan Ranch Potatoes Roasted Mixed Vegetables Broccoli Salad Homemade Seasoned Fries
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe’s
Although some may not be familiar with how and why sugar is included in a Sloppy Joe’s recipe, it’s because sugar helps neutralize the acidity of all the tomato-based ingredients, including the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup. It’s akin to why many Italian cooks will add a pinch of sugar to their tomato-based sauces, like marinara or pomodoro sauces. Therefore, I recommend definitely adding the brown sugar for classic Sloppy Joe’s flavor. And if you’re like me who remembers Sloppy Joe’s as a childhood favorite, I guarantee that those jarred and canned sauces that you probably ate, are full of sugar. So don’t be shy if you like your Sloppy Joe’s sauce to read a little sweeter, add another tablespoon or so of brown sugar. Because the meat mixture keeps so well with Sloppy Joe’s, feel free to make a double batch and freeze half for those nights when you know you’re not going to have time, or desire, to cook! Enjoy!
Favorite Sandwich Recipes:
Cheesy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes — Homemade sloppy Joes just got even better because they’re cheesy! The perfect combination of sweet, tangy, optional spiciness, and so juicy! Whether you want to prep them before work for an easy weeknight dinner that’s waiting, serve them at a summer holiday party, or for tailgating or a game day event, they’re a classic family FAVORITE recipe and so EASY! Stovetop directions also provided. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Ham and Cheese Sliders – Baked juicy ham and Swiss nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping!! Fast, EASY, and a party FAVORITE!! Pepperoni Pizza Sliders – Pizza by way of supremely cheesy sliders!! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for parties because everyone LOVES them! Totally IRRESISTIBLE!! Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders – Chicken is cooked with beer and bourbon before being soaked in bbq sauce! So juicy, flavorful, easy, and ready in 25 minutes! Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Sliders with Fry Sauce – Meatless comfort food at its finest! Hearty, satisfying and so good!
BLT Grilled Turkey Burgers — JUICY turkey burgers topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato!! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for summer parties!! Healthier than beef and IRRESISTIBLE!!
