Homemade Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy, sweet, and savory tomato-based sauce, all piled onto soft hamburger buns. They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a satisfying weeknight meal. These sandwiches deliver nostalgic flavors with every messy bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicketchuptomato pastebrown sugarsoy sauceWorcestershire saucemustard (yellow or Dijon)chili powderpaprikasalt and pepperolive oilhamburger buns

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

Toast hamburger buns lightly for added texture.

Spoon the meat mixture generously onto each bun.

Serve hot, optionally with pickles or cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 sandwiches.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add diced green bell peppers or shredded carrots for added veggies.

Use BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smokier flavor.

Top with coleslaw or melted cheese for an extra twist.

Serve over baked potatoes or rice instead of buns.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot, stirring occasionally.You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, the filling tastes even better the next day and reheats well.

Are Sloppy Joes spicy?

They’re mildly seasoned, but you can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What kind of buns should I use?

Soft hamburger buns, brioche, or even toasted sandwich rolls work great.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, it scales up easily for meal prep or parties.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use lentils, plant-based crumbles, or finely chopped mushrooms as a meat substitute.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of ketchup?

Yes, but you may need to adjust sweetness and seasoning.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the sweet and savory flavors.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely—melted cheddar or American cheese is a delicious addition.

Do I need to toast the buns?

Toasting adds texture but is optional.

Can I serve it without buns?

Yes, over rice, pasta, or even lettuce wraps makes a great low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

Homemade Sloppy Joes are a quick and hearty meal that brings comfort and bold flavors to your dinner table. Whether you enjoy them traditional-style on buns or with a twist, they’re guaranteed to satisfy appetites and bring smiles all around. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

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