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Sloppy Joes Recipe

This homemade version of the classic sandwich combines ground beef with a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce made from scratch. Much better than canned versions.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:24:44 GMT
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A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with a hearty meat filling, served on a golden-brown bun and resting on a wooden plate. Pin it
A close-up view of a sloppy joe sandwich with a hearty meat filling, served on a golden-brown bun and resting on a wooden plate. | zestplate.com

These homemade Sloppy Joes will make you forget all about the canned stuff! I've been tweaking this recipe for years and finally nailed that perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory. The secret? Fresh veggies and a from-scratch sauce that makes everyone come back for seconds. Plus your kitchen will smell amazing!

Why You'll Love These

Everything cooks in one pan meaning less cleanup (always a win)! The sauce hits all the right notes not too sweet not too tangy. And you can totally make these your own add more veggies switch up the meat or make them spicier. My kids love picking their own toppings makes dinner fun!

Round Up Your Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Get that 80/20 perfect for flavor.
  • Fresh Veggies: Onion green pepper lots of garlic.
  • Sauce Stars: Tomato sauce ketchup mustard Worcestershire.
  • Secret Weapons: Chili powder paprika brown sugar.
  • Good Buns: Toast them trust me on this!
  • Don't Forget: Pickles for that perfect crunch.

Let's Get Cooking

Get Those Veggies Ready
Chop everything nice and small they'll melt into the sauce making it extra rich.
Brown Your Beef
High heat get it nice and crusty those brown bits are pure gold for flavor!
Veggie Time
Cook them in all those meat drippings until they're soft and sweet.
Make It Saucy
Everything goes back in with all your sauces and seasonings let it simmer get thick and happy.
Assembly Time
Toast those buns load them up add pickles grab extra napkins you'll need them!

Mix It Up

Try turkey instead of beef for something lighter. Sneak in extra veggies like shredded carrots or mushrooms. Need it spicier? Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Want it sweeter? A touch more brown sugar does the trick. The recipe's super flexible make it your own!

Plan Ahead

Make a big batch the filling actually tastes better the next day! Keeps in the fridge for 4 days freezes great for up to 3 months. Just remember only add the meat to your bun when you're ready to eat nobody likes a soggy bun.

Three hamburger buns filled with a savory meat mixture sit on a wooden platter, with a green chili pepper nearby. Pin it
Three hamburger buns filled with a savory meat mixture sit on a wooden platter, with a green chili pepper nearby. | zestplate.com

Make It A Meal

Serve these up with some crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. Want something fresh? A crunchy coleslaw or green salad works great. Pour some cold sodas or lemonade and dinner's ready! Don't forget extra napkins these are called sloppy for a reason!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, sauce reheats well.

→ How do I prevent soggy buns?

Toast buns and serve immediately.

→ Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, any ground meat works.

→ Is this freezer friendly?

Yes, freeze sauce up to 3 months.

→ Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce or omit brown sugar/molasses.

Sloppy Joes

A hearty sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato-based sauce. Classic comfort food made from scratch.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound lean ground beef.
02 1 small yellow onion, chopped.
03 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
04 2 garlic cloves, minced.
05 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
08 1 teaspoon chili powder.
09 1 teaspoon paprika.
10 15 ounces tomato sauce.
11 1/3 cup ketchup.
12 1/4 cup water.
13 2 tablespoons mustard.
14 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
15 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
16 4-6 hamburger buns.
17 Pickle chips (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Chop vegetables finely.

Step 02

Brown beef over high heat, remove.

Step 03

Cook vegetables until tender.

Step 04

Add spices, cook until fragrant.

Step 05

Return beef, add sauce ingredients.

Step 06

Simmer 10-15 minutes until thick.

Step 07

Serve on toasted buns.

Notes

  1. Can make ahead.
  2. Freezes well.
  3. Toast buns before serving.
  4. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Slotted spoon.
  • Measuring cups/spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (buns).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~