Sloppy Joes

These classic Sloppy Joes are everything you want in a nostalgic, family-friendly dinner: saucy, sweet-savory, and piled high on toasted buns. Ground beef (or turkey) simmers with onions, peppers, and a tangy homemade sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s quick, budget-conscious comfort food that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Pickles and coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Butter or oil, for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if desired.
5. While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, lightly butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns if using. Toast them on a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat, or place them cut-side up under the broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden.
6. Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
7. Top with pickles and coleslaw if using, then add the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.

Variation

1. Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or swapping some ketchup for chili sauce.
2. Load it with veggies by adding finely diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms when you sauté the onions and peppers.
3. Turn it into a Sloppy Joe bake by spooning the mixture over toasted buns or thick bread slices, topping with cheese, and broiling until melty and bubbly.

Cooking Notes

1. Ground turkey is leaner and can dry out more quickly; avoid overcooking and consider adding a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.
2. For deeper flavor, let the mixture rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving this helps the sauce thicken and soak into the meat.
3. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can keep the Sloppy Joe mixture warm in a slow cooker on LOW, stirring occasionally, and set out buns for self-serve sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, or tater tots for a fun, casual meal.
2. Pair with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or simple steamed veggies to balance the richness of the sandwiches.
3. Top with sliced pickles, coleslaw, or a slice of cheese for extra crunch, creaminess, or gooey goodness.

Tips

• Chop the onion and bell pepper finely so they blend into the sauce and cook quickly, especially if serving to picky eaters.
• Toast the buns this small step keeps them from getting soggy and adds a nice bit of texture and flavor.
• Double the recipe and freeze half of the cooled Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months for an easy future meal.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
• Protein: 20 g (approx.)
• Sodium: 780 mg (approx.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
   Yes, the mixture can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed, and toast fresh buns when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe filling?
   Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Warm the Sloppy Joe mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
4. Can I make this recipe without ketchup?
   Ketchup gives classic flavor, but you can substitute part of it with tomato sauce plus a bit more brown sugar and vinegar to taste if needed.

Conclusion

These classic Sloppy Joes deliver everything you love about a cozy, diner-style sandwich: hearty seasoned meat, a tangy-sweet sauce, and toasty buns that soak up all the goodness. Ready in just about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you need an easy, nostalgic meal that satisfies both kids and adults.

Sloppy Joes

---

• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These classic Sloppy Joes are everything you want in a nostalgic, family-friendly dinner: saucy, sweet-savory, and piled high on toasted buns. Ground beef (or turkey) simmers with onions, peppers, and a tangy homemade sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s quick, budget-conscious comfort food that never goes out of style.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Pickles and coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Butter or oil, for toasting buns (optional)

---

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if desired.
5. While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, lightly butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns if using. Toast them on a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat, or place them cut-side up under the broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden.
6. Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
7. Top with pickles and coleslaw if using, then add the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (around 90% lean) or ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option with less grease to drain.
• Simmering the mixture for the full 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and the sauce cling to the meat, so don’t rush this step.
• If the mixture gets too thick, stir in a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it slightly.
• If it’s too loose for your liking, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Taste before serving ketchup brands vary in sweetness, so you may want to adjust the brown sugar or mustard to balance the flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 loaded sandwich
• Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
• Sugar: 15 g (approx.)
• Sodium: 780 mg (approx., varies by ketchup and Worcestershire sauce)
• Fat: 14 g (approx.)
• Saturated Fat: 5 g (approx.)
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
• Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
• Carbohydrates: 34 g (approx.)
• Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
• Protein: 20 g (approx.)
• Cholesterol: 60 mg (approx.)

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joes, easy ground beef dinner, weeknight sandwiches, homemade sloppy joe sauce