Homemade Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a family favorite and bring me back to when I was a kid. These classic sloppy joes are so comforting with all the flavors of ground beef, onions, peppers and a sweet and tangy sauce.

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

The whole family will love this simple recipe and have them coming back for more.

Trust me, this is so much better than the canned sauce and almost as simple to put together. Homemade is always better, right?

Your family will love this homemade version better and it’s just as easy!

Try this as a Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole, or this Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread appetizer.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Beef – Ground turkey also works really well in this recipe for a lighter, healthier version.

Onion – You can use white, yellow or red onion. You can find pre-diced onions in the produce or frozen section of your supermarket for even easier prep.

Bell Pepper – Green bell pepper is best in sloppy joes or substitute a medley of green and red bell pepper.

Ketchup – Use your favorite brand. I like a low sodium version to eliminate extra salt.

Apple Cider Vinegar – You can use red wine vinegar instead.

Brown Sugar – I use dark brown sugar but light brown or white sugar will also work. This adds a subtle bit of sweetness to the sloppy joe mixture.

Garlic Powder – You can use 3-4 cloves of fresh minced garlic if you prefer.

Hamburger Buns – Use your favorite brand. Slider buns are fun for the kids:)

Pantry Staples – Salt, yellow mustard, tomato paste.

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How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes

First: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the onion and green pepper. If desired, you can use a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil.

Cook until the beef is browned and drain off any excess fat. Add in ketchup, brown sugar, seasonings, and remaining ingredients. Stir to combine well.

Second: Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking or burning.

Third: Serve the sloppy joe mixture on a toasted hamburger bun or brioche bun. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve favorites such as a side salad, french fries, potato chips, or tater tots. Don’t forget to throw in some veggies too:)

How long do they last?

Keep any leftovers stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.

What is a sloppy joe?

A traditional sloppy joe is a loose meat sandwich consisting of ground beef and onions stewed in tomato sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings and often served on a hamburger bun.

There are a couple of theories of how the sandwich originated. Some say it was created in Cuba, while others think its origins are in the United States, invented by a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa in the 1930’s.

Sloppy Joes are like old school comfort food. Much like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and even stuffed peppers. I just can’t get enough of them!

Can I make them in the slow cooker?

This recipe works really well in the slow cooker. After browning the beef and onions, put all ingredients in the crock pot, add a little water (2-3 tablespoons) and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.

Tips for No Leftovers

• The best sloppy joes use 80/20 but if you use lean ground beef you can skip the step of draining the excess fat.
• Serve your sloppy joe meat mixture between 2 pieces of toasted bun, garlic bread, or Texas toast. Delicious!
• Like a little more spice? You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, black pepper, chili powder or cayenne pepper. A splash of Worcestershire sauce is always good too.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Sloppy Joes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual before serving.
• This is a great prep ahead freezer meal. After preparing the sloppy joe filling, cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Double your recipe and have one batch tonight and freeze a batch for an easy dinner later.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

This Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe will be a big hit for a crowd or a casual dinner for the family. Dig in and make sure you have plenty of napkins for this one!

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