Sloppy Joe Recipe

This Sloppy Joe recipe is a family-friendly meal that never goes out of style.

Ground beef is simmered in zesty tomato sauce and spooned over toasted hamburger buns for a saucy favorite. Best of all it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Homemade Sloppy Joes are just as easy to make as the canned version, and they taste so much better.
It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies and perfect to spoon over hamburger buns or even rice or noodles.
This Sloppy Joe recipe uses staple ingredients, so you likely have everything you need!
Double up the batch and enjoy it all week, or freeze it for future family meals.

What You’ll Need For Sloppy Joe Sauce

Brown a pound of lean ground beef and simmer it in a tangy sauce that is easy to make!

Tomato Sauce: This is the base of this recipe; a bit of tomato paste adds richness and tang.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang.
Green Bell Pepper: Optional; it adds a bit of freshness and crunch (and stretches the beef further).
Brown Sugar: I use brown sugar for sweetness; you can replace it with white sugar if needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the sweetness and adds a little tang along with yellow mustard.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory flavor.

Buns: I use hamburger buns to soak up the tangy sauce, but it’s also great spooned over rice, pasta or garlic bread.

Variations

Sloppy Joes are a great recipe for sneaking in veggies. Shredded zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, and even Brussels sprouts can be added to the sauce in Step 2.
Stretch the beef a bit further and add drained black beans or finely chopped mushrooms.
Top your joes with shredded cheese or sliced jalapenos.

How to Make Sloppy Joes

Brown meat: Brown the ground beef with garlic.
Add sauce: Stir in remaining ingredients (recipe below) and simmer until thickened.
Toast buns: Broil the buns until golden and top with the beef mixture.

So easy!

Make Tidy Josephs

When my kids were little we’d make tidy Josephs, the same great taste but a little bit less messy!

Purchase whole rolls and instead of cutting rolls in half, use your finger to create a cavity in the roll and fill with sloppy joe mixture.

Storing Sloppy Joes

Keep leftover sloppy joe filling in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freeze portions in zippered and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Leftovers can be added to a hearty soup or on top of mac and cheese.

More Quick Ground Beef Dinners

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This easy recipe for homemade Sloppy Joes has the best savory sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

In a 10-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, cook beef, onion, and garlic, breaking it up with a spoon until the meat is cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
Add water, tomato sauce, bell pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Optional: While the sauce is simmering, preheat the oven to broil. Brush the inside of the hamburger buns with butter or olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or just until lightly browned.
Spoon ½ cup meat mixture over the toasted buns and serve.

This Sloppy Joe recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. It reheats well for meals throughout the week.
To freeze, cool the mixture completely and place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

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