Short Description
These Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet take on the classic comfort food. Made with ground beef, a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and served on soft hamburger buns, this quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute meal.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients.
- Homemade Goodness: No need for store-bought sauce—this version is fresher and tastier!
- Kid-Friendly: A family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or texture to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Yellow mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chili powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Olive oil
- Hamburger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Toast the buns with butter in a skillet until golden brown.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Melt a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top.
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.
- BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Open-Faced Option: Serve over thick toast instead of buns for a knife-and-fork meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sloppy joe mixture (without buns) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and makes a leaner option.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or skip it entirely for a more savory flavor.
What are the best buns for sloppy joes?
Soft hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even pretzel buns work great.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry if needed.
What sides go well with sloppy joes?
French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans are great options.
Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms add great texture and nutrition.
How can I make this meal healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, reduce sugar, and serve on whole wheat buns.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Butter them and toast in a skillet or under the broiler for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are a delicious and nostalgic meal that’s simple to make and full of bold, tangy flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
PrintEasy Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is a delicious, family-friendly meal made with ground beef in a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 30 minutes! Serve it on toasted buns with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a classic comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little spice)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth (for extra sauciness)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
-
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- If using lean beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using).
- Pour in the water or beef broth and stir to combine.
-
Simmer & Thicken:
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it ahead! The flavors develop even more if made a day in advance.
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