This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

Sloppy Joes are messy, saucy, and the perfect family dinner. They are filled with seasoned ground beef slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce and plopped on a bun. This is bound to be the best sloppy Joe you have ever had!

A sloppy joe on a plate with potato chips.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: These easy sloppy joes come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Family Friendly: My kids love anything with ketchup. And these messy sandwiches are loaded with it and much more to make them super tasty.
  • Customizable: These sandwiches are just yummy and easy to customize. If you are looking for a twist on the classic try Hawaiian, Greek, and a personal favorite Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.

Ingredients You Need For Sloppy Joes

Homemade sloppy joes come together in about 20 minutes with ingredients right in your pantry. They are quick and easy to make and a family favorite! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

  • Olive oil: Perfect for sauteeing onions and beef.
  • Onion: finely chopped.
  • Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat.
  • Garlic: Mince the garlic finely.
  • Ketchup: Adds the tangy sauce.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness and caramelization.
  • Chili powder: Brings the heat to balance the sweetness.
  • Paprika: Adds a kick of flavor that can be a bit hot. Limit this if needed.
  • Worcestershire sauce: The perfect savory umami flavor
  • Salt and pepper: Add to your tastes.
  • Buns: Good, sturdy buns work best, or you canย make your own!

How To Make Easy Sloppy Joes

If you’re like me, you are always on the lookout for a quick and Easy meal. This is a great dish for a busy weekday or a lazy weekend! Sloppy joes are irresistible, and everyone loves them!

  1. Sautรฉ: In a medium-sized skillet, add olive oil and onion. Sautรฉ until almost tender, then add the ground beef and cook and crumble until no longer pink.
  2. Seasonings: Add the garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Enjoy: Serve on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Cooking the hamburger and sauteing the onions and adding the seasonings.

The Best Sloppy Joe Tips and Variations

One of the best things about a messy meal is that you do not have to worry about how it looks; you just have to think about how it tastes.

  • Ground Beef: You can use any fat ratio you like, but the leaner the meat, the less grease you will have. If you use “greasier” beef, drain it before adding the onions to saute. This will eliminate most of the greasy mess. You could also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
  • Onions: If you do not want large chunks in your sandwiches, finely chop the onions or grate them into your sloppy joe mixture. This will still impart flavor without leaving chunks.
  • Green Peppers: If you like your sloppy joes to have a bit of texture, dice half a green bell pepper and saute with the onion.
  • Mustard: To add depth to your mixture, try squirting a long squeeze of mustard into it. The acidity also balances out the sweetness and gives it a nice, rich flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: This is one of those dishes that gets better as it simmers. Once the flavors are added and have mixed and simmered for a bit, you can turn it down, cover it, and leave it to simmer for an hour or two. You will need to check it to make sure it isn’t losing moisture. I like to transfer the mixture to a crock pot, let it simmer, and keep it warm until ready to serve.
  • Double it: Make extra and freeze the other half for another meal. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Finished sloppy joe mixture in a pan.

The perfect Sides for The Perfect Sloppy Joes

Side dishes can be just as important as the main dish, rounding out flavors and nutrition. Similar to hamburgers these sloppy joes are ideal for picnics, potlucks, and large gatherings. You will be able to keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker for long periods of time making it superb for gatherings where people can come and go and eat when they want. It is an excellent party pleaser. Serve these sloppy joes up with these sides for a meal that will be sure to satisfy.

Upclose picture of a sloppy joe on  a plate.

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Homemade Sloppy Joe

4.67 from 3 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
Sloppy Joes are messy, saucy, and the perfect family dinner. They are filled with seasoned ground beef slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce and plopped on a bun. This is bound to be the best sloppy Joe you have ever had!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sloppy joes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • In a medium-sized skillet, add the olive oil and onion over medium-high heat. Sautรฉ until almost tender, add the ground beef and cook and crumble until no longer pink.
  • Add the garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve on buns.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 26gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 966mgPotassium: 587mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 583IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 14mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

More Ideas

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is my go to sloppy joe recipe. I change a couple of things, but I’ve probably made this recipe 10 times! It’s SO much better than any add in mix or canned product.