Sloppy Joes

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

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.

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 12:22:40 GMT
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

Forget all about store-bought mixes - these DIY Sloppy Joes are the real deal! I've been tweaking and fine-tuning this meal for ages until I got that perfect mix of sweetness, tang, and savory goodness. What makes it special? Fresh chopped vegetables and a completely handmade sauce that'll have everyone grabbing seconds. And wait till you smell what's cooking in your kitchen!

What Makes These Special

The whole thing comes together in a single skillet, so there's way less washing up! The sauce balances everything just right - not overly sweet or tangy. You can easily customize them too - dump in more vegetables, try different meats, or crank up the heat. My little ones get excited about picking their own toppings, which turns dinner into something fun!

Grab These Items

  • Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 for the best taste.
  • Veggies: Garlic, green pepper, onion for the base.
  • Sauce Basics: Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce.
  • Flavor Boosters: Brown sugar, paprika, chili powder.
  • Quality Buns: Don't skip toasting them!
  • Perfect Addition: Some pickles for extra crunch.

How To Make Sloppy Joes

Prep Your Vegetables
Dice everything into tiny pieces so they'll dissolve into your sauce, making it richer.
Cook Your Meat
Use high temperature to get those tasty brown bits - they're flavor gold!
Add Vegetables
Toss them into those yummy meat drippings until they soften and sweeten up.
Create The Sauce
Combine everything back together with all seasonings and sauces, then let it bubble and thicken up nicely.
Put It Together
Get those buns toasted, pile on the meat mixture, add some pickles, and grab plenty of napkins!

Switch Things Around

Swap beef for ground turkey if you want something lighter. Toss in extra vegetables like mushrooms or shredded carrots. Need more kick? Just add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Craving something sweeter? A bit more brown sugar works wonders. This meal bends to your taste - go wild with it!

Get Ahead

Cook up a larger amount since the filling actually tastes even better tomorrow! It stays good in your fridge for 4 days and can be frozen up to 3 months. Just remember one thing - only put the meat on your bun when you're about to eat, or you'll end up with soggy bread.

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

Complete Your Dinner

Pair these bad boys with crunchy fries or sweet potato wedges. Want something on the fresher side? Throw together a green salad or some tangy coleslaw. Pour some lemonade or cold sodas and you're all set! But seriously, grab extra napkins - they don't call them sloppy without good 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: ~