Name: The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil); 1/2 large yellow onion (finely chopped); 1/2 cup green bell pepper (finely diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 pound lean ground beef (85%-90% lean); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 3/4 cup ketchup; 2/3 cup water; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to your taste); 2 tsp yellow mustard; 1/2 tsp of chili powder (or more to taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 hamburger buns ( toasted if desired)

Make your dinner special with these Homemade Sloppy Joes. Imagine this: succulent ground beef smothered in a luscious, zesty sauce loaded with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness, all in a soft bun – just like what you loved as a kid.

Forget plain store-bought stuff, and try this ultimate Sloppy Joe. Your family and friends will love it!

You can make these favorite Sloppy Joes Sandwich in just 20 minutes using simple ingredients you have at home. Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and tasty spices – it’s like a delicious memory from your childhood.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start making these delicious homemade Sloppy Joes that will save the day and impress everyone.

the best sloppy joes recipe thefoodieblogger

Table Of Contents show

What Is Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a popular American sandwich dish typically made with ground beef or other ground meats, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce, and served on a hamburger bun. The mixture is often seasoned with a combination of spices and can include ingredients like onions, bell peppers, garlic, and various condiments to enhance the flavor.

The exact origin of the name “Sloppy Joe” is a subject of debate, and there are a few theories about its origin:

Iowa Origin: One theory suggests that the name originated in Sioux City, Iowa, in the 1930s. A cook named Joe added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches, creating a messy and “sloppy” sandwich, hence the name “Sloppy Joe.”
Cuban Influence: Another theory links the name to a Cuban sandwich called “sloppy joe” or “sloppy joes,” which was served in Key West, Florida. This sandwich contained similar ingredients but had a Cuban twist.
Popularized by a Chain: Some attribute the popularization of Sloppy Joes to the loose meat sandwich served at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West. This establishment was frequented by the writer Ernest Hemingway and helped spread the dish’s popularity.

Sloppy Joes Video Tutorial

Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Butter: I used butter when browning the vegetables, but you can also use olive oil.
Ground Beef: The main ingredient in my Sloppy Joes recipe is lean ground beef, specifically 85% lean. It provides the perfect balance between flavor and tenderness.
Onion: I used half or large onion, finely chopped, to infuse the ground beef with a savory and aromatic flavor
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must in my recipe to give the sauce an intense garlicky flavor. Using a garlic press can make mincing garlic quick and easy.
Bell Pepper: The bell pepper also contributes a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
Ketchup: High-quality ketchup is recommended as it adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the sauce. Look for ketchup brands with natural ingredients to achieve an intense and delicious taste.
Mustard: I suggest using your favorite type of mustard to bring a delightful tang and a subtle zing to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Brown Sugar: In my recipe, I include one tablespoon of brown sugar to balance all the flavors in the dish, providing a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Chili Powder: If you prefer a milder dish, you can replace chili powder with smoked paprika. Adjust the quantity to match your desired level of spiciness.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper to taste is crucial. These two essential ingredients play a pivotal role in enhancing all the flavors in the dish, so remember to season as needed to achieve the perfect balance.

How To Make Sloppy Joes

Sauté Veggies: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter in the skillet. Once melted, add finely minced onion and sauté until it starts to soften. Next, add finely minced green bell pepper and continue to cook. Finally, stir in finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in ketchup, water, brown sugar (adjust sweetness to taste), yellow mustard, chili powder (adjust spiciness to taste), salt, and black pepper.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Serve with Toasted Buns: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Spoon this delicious homemade sloppy joe sauce onto toasted buns for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Can I Make Sloppy Joes In A Slow Cooker?

For a crockpot version, sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the flavors meld together, and the meat becomes tender.”

What is the difference between a sloppy joe and Manwich?

The main difference between Manwich and homemade Sloppy Joes lies in their preparation and ingredients. Homemade Sloppy Joes are made from scratch, utilizing fresh ingredients like ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and seasonings to create a flavorful sauce. On the other hand, Manwich is a pre-made store-bought sauce specifically marketed for making Sloppy Joes. While Manwich offers convenience, the truth is that making Sloppy Joes from scratch is just as easy and allows for more customization.

So, whether you choose Manwich or homemade, both options deliver the classic Sloppy Joe taste with varying levels of preparation effort.

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe Substitutions

Ground Meat: Instead of using ground beef, you can try making this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative.
Vegetables: Feel free to add or favorite vegetables to the sauce. Chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, or diced zucchini are interesting options that provide extra texture and nutrition.
Brown Sugar: Instead of brown sugar, you can use alternatives like white sugar, honey, or molasses.
Worcestershire Sauce Alternatives: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can replace it with soy sauce, tamari sauce, or balsamic vinegar.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

If you need to make a larger batch to feed a hungry crowd, feel free to double the recipe. The cooking time will vary slightly but not too much.

What Can I Use Instead Of Ketchup?

If you are a fan of ketchup, you can substitute it with barbecue sauce or tomato sauce. However, since these ingredients are not sweet, like ketchup, you may need to add some brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Toasted Buns: Serve your Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns. The slight crunch and warmth of the bun complement the saucy filling perfectly.
Coleslaw Salad: Enjoy these Sloppy Joes with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Pickles: add some dill pickles to the bun before adding the sauce for a tangy flavor and crunchy texture that complements the rich flavors of the Sloppy Joes.
Fries or Chips: I mean, what’s better than potato chips? Enjoy these Sloppy Joes with crispy potato chips or fries for a complete and delicious comfort meal.
Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, consider melting a slice of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite) on top of the Sloppy Joe filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetable Sticks: Include a platter of fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrot and celery, along with a dipping sauce like ranch or hummus for a healthier side option.
Corn on the Cob: Seasoned and grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds a sweet and savory element to your meal.

What Is The Best Bread for Sloppy Joes?

The best bread for this recipe is the one that holds up to the saucy and flavorful filling without becoming too soggy or falling apart. Here are the best choices you can make:

Hamburger Buns: Traditional hamburger buns are the best choice for these Sloppy Joes.
Brioche Buns: with a slightly sweet and rich, buttery flavor, these buns are soft yet durable enough to hold the Sloppy Joe filling without getting too soggy.
Ciabatta Bread: known for its airy and chewy texture, ciabatta bread contrasts the soft filling of Sloppy Joes.

Can I Freeze Sloppy Joes?

Yes, Sloppy Joes is freezer-friendly. You can make a larger batch ahead and freeze any leftovers for future meals. Allow the mixture to cool, portion it, label, and freeze. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy. They can be stored in the freezer for several months.