Homemade Sloppy Joes

A homemade Sloppy Joes can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less, making it a convenient and effortless recipe. It’s delicious enough for adults and kids alike! This scrumptious dinner, loved by all, is both effortless and satisfying.

Ingredients For Homemade Sloppy Joes

This homemade sloppy joe recipe is made with a handful of straightforward ingredients. It’s ideal for hectic weeknight meals.

Ground beef: The main ingredient of the best homemade sloppy joe recipe dish is the meat, with ground sirloin being a popular choice. Other cuts of beef, such as 85% Angus, are also available. For a healthier choice, opt for turkey.

Onion: The yellow onion is full of flavor and can be used on its own or combined with chopped celery for added zest. Chopping vegetables is quick and easy with the use of a food processor.

Brown sugar: This ingredient, although not exactly a secret, significantly contributes to the overall flavor by adding the perfect amount of sweetness, elevating the taste of the dish.

Ketchup & Mustard: Opt for all-natural or organic products to steer clear of high-fructose corn syrup and other undisclosed additives. The preference for homemade is due to the ability to use only natural ingredients.

Barbecue Sauce: Imparts a tantalizing combination of sweetness and tanginess, making it difficult to resist.

Worcestershire sauce: The key to making delicious Sloppy Joes is the use of a condiment that originated in England, made of fermented liquid and adds a savory umami taste to the meat. Lea and Perrins is the go-to brand for this ingredient.

Bell Pepper: I choose green bell peppers due to their savory flavor, nonetheless, either green or red can be utilized successfully in this dish.

Garlic Powder. Salt. Pepper: These traditional spices amplify the complete taste of the dish.

Crusty bread: Best served with butter and toasted.

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes?

Homemade Sloppy Joes is ideal for family sharing and can be quickly prepared in just 30 minutes. Despite being busy, you can still serve a delicious and flavorful meal to everyone.

Begin by browning ground beef, onion, and green pepper in a pan over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain any excess liquid.

Mix in garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.

Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Once done, turn off the stove, and your meal is ready to be served on buns.

Toast and butter the buns, generously place the meat on top, and add a thick slice of Cheddar cheese. Grill for 1 minute to melt the cheese and serve while hot.

Tips for this recipe :

• To enhance the flavor, start by toasting the buns. Toasting only takes a few minutes and makes a significant difference. Put a tiny quantity of vegetable oil into a pan that’s heated to high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the buns cut side up in the skillet. After toasting, transfer the buns to a cooling rack.
• Monitor the sauce to prevent over-reduction. A reduced sauce can result in a dry Sloppy Joe mixture. Personal preferences may vary, but I aim for a consistency that allows the meat bits to be visible and creates a trail when a spoon is dragged through the sauce. If the sauce instantly fills the path left by a utensil, it is too runny. I prefer a sauce that takes a few seconds to cover the trail, giving a saucy consistency that is not too liquid.

Choose your preferred type of roll. Personally, I usually go for either a pretzel roll or a brioche roll, like in my Beer and Chorizo Sloppy Joes recipe.

The step-by-step instructions Homemade Sloppy Joes pictures can be found in the recipe card below.

Questions and answers about this recipe

Recipe variations

This sloppy Joe recipe is tailored to my personal taste, but can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences.

Health-conscious? Opt for ground turkey instead of beef.

Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce.

Too sweet? Reduce the amount of brown sugar.

Want it spicier? Add some chopped jalapeños.

Want to add richness? Substitute water with beef or chicken broth.

Dislike vegetables? Leave out the onion and bell pepper.

Stuff a hollowed-out bun with sloppy joe meat, sprinkle cheese on top, and place it under the broiler for a few minutes.

As an alternative to a bun, serve the sloppy joe mixture over a baked potato! Delicious!

Easily double the recipe for serving a larger group or for leftovers the next day.

What Do You Serve With Sloppy joes?

Serve these Homemade Sloppy Joes sandwiches with French fries, thick-cut steak fries, sweet potato fries or fried pickles for an even better experience.

Have a look at our other dessert recipes, how about my twisted concoction of caramel spice cake or creamy coconut cake

Can You Freeze homemade Sloppy joe?

Yes! The pre-made homemade sloppy joe meat can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for a maximum of 3 months.

Thaw it in the refrigerator before using by leaving it overnight.

Can You Store Homemade Sloppy Joes?

This is a convenient meal for busy nights! Make the Sloppy Joe meat ahead of time, allow it to cool to room temperature, and keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Are Homemade Sloppy Joes healthy?

this recipe can be a nutritious meal for the whole family when made at home with healthier ingredients. Use high-quality grass-fed meat and unsweetened ketchup, and consider using maple syrup as a refined sugar-free sweetener!

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