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This homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is saucy, savory, sweet and tangy with an easy from-scratch sauce that comes together in one skillet. Tomato paste and chili powder build a rich flavor base, while mustard, apple cider vinegar and a bit of brown sugar give it that classic Sloppy Joe flavor without reaching for canned sauce.
I’ve tested this method for years, and the trick is caramelizing the tomato paste and chili powder before adding the beef, then letting everything simmer uncovered until the sauce is thickened. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s great for making ahead and freezing, too.
Table of Contents
- Kellie’s Note Everyday Sloppy Joes
- Why You’ll Love My Sloppy Joes
- Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
- How to Make Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy Joe SOS: Quick Fixes
- How to Store, Freeze and Reheat Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy Joe Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- More Ways to Use Sloppy Joe Meat
- Best Sides for Sloppy Joes
- More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Sloppy Joe Recipe
I fixed these last night, they were delicious! By far the best sloppy joes we’ve ever had. I followed your recipe to a ‘T’ except, I used stone ground mustard in place of the yellow mustard. Thank you for sharing so many great recipes.
– Deborah
Kellie’s Note
Everyday Sloppy Joes
We love Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Sandwiches because they’re quick and easy to make for busy weeknights. The canned sauces are ok but I made the best sloppy joes in about the same amount of time and now I can never turn back.
This Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe is the best thing to make when you don’t know how to cook ground beef. Sloppy Joes are simmered in a savory, tangy sloppy Joe sauce that comes together quickly.
We love to use this sloppy Joe mix for sandwiches but it’s also amazing to make stuffed potatoes, quesadillas, pizza and more. The limit does not exist as to what you can do with this recipe. We even made a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe just to prove it!
Why You’ll Love My Sloppy Joes
- Set it with a simmer: A 10-minute uncovered simmer thickens the sauce; longer equals deeper, richer flavor.
- Bloom the base: Stir tomato paste and chili powder into the hot pan until the crumbles turn a deep burgundy color, this unlocks richness in under a minute.
- Sweet–tangy balance: A little mustard and vinegar brightens the sauce so it never tastes flat.
- Toast the buns: A lightly toasted bun adds flavor and gives that saucy filling a sturdier base so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy quite as quickly.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
You only need simple grocery-store staples to make Sloppy Joes completely from scratch.
- Ground beef: I like 85-90% lean beef because it has plenty of flavor without making the sauce overly fatty. Spoon off any excess fat after browning, if needed.
- Onion and bell pepper: These add sweetness, texture and that classic Sloppy Joe flavor. I use red bell pepper, but green, yellow or orange will work.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Tomato paste and tomato sauce: Tomato paste creates a richer base while tomato sauce keeps the filling saucy.
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and savory flavor without making the Sloppy Joes spicy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar: Both add tang and keep the sauce from tasting overly sweet.
- Brown sugar: Just enough balances the tomato and vinegar. You can add a little less if you prefer a more savory Sloppy Joe.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the beef and adjust to taste after simmering.
- Hamburger buns: Soft hamburger, potato or brioche buns all work well. I love them lightly toasted.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Bell pepper: Use any color you have on hand.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard gives you the most classic flavor, but Dijon or stone-ground mustard will make the sauce a little sharper.
- Brown sugar: Adjust it to your taste if you prefer your Sloppy Joes more savory.
- Buns: Potato rolls, brioche buns or sesame buns are all great options.
How to Make Sloppy Joes
- Sauté the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the onion and bell pepper until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Bloom the flavor base. Stir in the chili powder and tomato paste. Cook briefly until the tomato paste turns a deep burgundy color.
- Brown the beef. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper and break it into crumbles as it cooks. Spoon off excess grease if needed.
- Add the sauce. Whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar and tomato sauce. Pour it into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is thick, glossy and clings to the beef instead of pooling in the pan.
- Serve. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto lightly toasted hamburger buns and serve.
This Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is super easy to make and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s great to make ahead since the flavors have more time to develop and it freezes beautifully too! It’s wonderful piled on a soft fluffy hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe SOS: Quick Fixes
- Too Greasy? Tilt pan to one side carefully and spoon off excess fat before saucing.
- Too sweet? Add 1-2 teaspoons yellow mustard or 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; simmer 2–3 min.
- Too tangy? Stir in ½-1 teaspoon brown sugar; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Too thin? Simmer uncovered 3-5 minutes; or stir in 1-2 teaspoons tomato paste.
- Too thick? Add in water or tomato sauce, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
- Not punchy enough? Add a pinch of salt and ¼ teaspoon chili powder.
- Want heat? Dash of hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper.
How to Store, Freeze and Reheat Sloppy Joes
- Make ahead: The Sloppy Joe filling is perfect for making ahead because the flavors get even better after they have time to mingle. Prepare the filling in advance, cool and refrigerate until dinner.
- Store: Let the filling cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to reheat.
- Freeze: Cool completely and portion into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. I like to lay freezer bags flat so they take up less space.
- Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop: Warm over low heat until hot. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or tomato sauce.
- Reheat in the microwave: Cover loosely and microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Sloppy Joe Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Ground turkey: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner variation.
- Ground chicken: Ground chicken works, too. Because it’s lean, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
- Plant-based: Use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute and adjust the simmer time as needed.
- Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper or extra chili powder to taste.
- Make it cheesy: Top each sandwich with cheddar, American or provolone.
- Switch up the buns: Try potato rolls, brioche buns, sesame buns or slider rolls.
- Add toppings: Pickles, jalapeños, shredded cheese or coleslaw are all great additions.
More Ways to Use Sloppy Joe Meat
The bun is just the beginning. Leftover Sloppy Joe filling is also great for:
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Sloppy Joe pizza
- Loaded fries or tater tots
- Sliders
- Nachos
Best Sides for Sloppy Joes
Some of our favorite side dishes for Sloppy Joes.
- Amish Macaroni Salad
- Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe // Video
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- How to Steam Broccoli
- Lemon Parmesan Sauteed Green Beans
- Parmesan Zucchini Fries
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
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Sloppy Joe Recipe
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 lb lean ground beef, 85%-90% lean
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 8 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Cook onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder and tomato paste cooking until the mixture has turned a deep burgundy color.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with the salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess grease if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar and tomato sauce. Pour the sauce over the ground beef and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and clings to the beef. If it becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or tomato sauce.
- Divide beef mixture among buns and serve.
Video
Notes
- Leftover Sloppy Joe will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make ahead: The Sloppy Joe filling can be prepared in advance, cooled and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or tomato sauce if the filling becomes too thick.
- Substitution: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of the beef.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yes, cool completely, portion flat in bags, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight; reheat gently and loosen with a splash of water. Re-season with salt or acid to taste.
Add 1-2 teaspoons yellow mustard or 1 teaspoon cider vinegar; simmer 2-3 minutes. Taste and repeat in small amounts.
Simmer uncovered 3-5 minutes; or stir in 1-2 teaspoons tomato paste. Avoid flour so the sauce stays shiny.
Yes, swap 1:1 for ground beef. Brown well for extra flavor; you may need a teaspoon of oil or butter if very lean.
Mild as written. For heat, add ½-1 teaspoon extra chili powder or a few dashes hot sauce.
What is the difference between Sloppy Joes and Manwich?
Sloppy Joes are the finished ground-beef sandwich, while Manwich is a store-bought canned sauce used to make them. This homemade Sloppy Joe recipe makes the sauce completely from scratch with tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar and seasonings.
Can I make Sloppy Joes in the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground beef first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. For the full slow cooker method, use my Crock Pot Sloppy Joe recipe.
How do I know when Sloppy Joe sauce is done?
The sauce should look thick and glossy and cling to the beef instead of pooling at the bottom of the skillet. Drag a spoon through the mixture; the path should stay visible briefly before the sauce moves back into place.
Sloppy Joes are a seriously favorite of mine! I love that you made this from scratch vs. out of a can. LOVE!
Thanks! I love that I’m tricking my kids into eating loads of veggies!
I haven’t made sloppy joe’s in years! My husband will be so excited when I tell him this is what I am making for dinner, lol.
My family LOVES this recipe….they have no idea what I’ve done to it. Bwaahhaaahaa!
Sloppy Joe’s have always been a favorite family meal around here. Your recipe looks very tasty. I also notice that you have a new site design and logo. Very nice!
Thanks, Renee! I did get a new site design last fall! Glad you love it!
I love mushrooms, but I’m the only one in the household. I need to try chopping them up really small and sneaking them into sauces. This sloppy joe recipe sounds amazing!
Really, really small…like almost mashed. 🙂 They just vanish into the sauce and nobody will ever know.
My kids obble up sloppy joes, I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try!
*Gobble
This is perfect for hiding those veggies. I love recipes like this. My husband swears he doesn’t like mushrooms but I hide them in so many recipes! Can’t wait to try this one!
This looks amazing and I love that you snuck all those veggies in!
I haven’t had this since I was a little girl…brings back memories.
Man, I haven’t had sloppy joe’s in AGES and that’s got to change because these look and sound fabulous!
I grew up on sloppy joe’s! My kids would go crazy for these!