Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food — basically a sandwich made with ground beef (or sometimes other meats) cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, usually served on a hamburger bun. The filling is typically made with:
- Ground beef (or turkey)
- Onion
- Ketchup or tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Brown sugar (sometimes)
- Spices like garlic, chili powder, etc.
It’s called “sloppy” because the meat mixture is loose and messy — not something you can eat neatly!
Absolutely! Here’s a flavorful homemade Sloppy Joes recipe — rich, savory, a little sweet, and totally satisfying. This version is hearty, with a depth of flavor you won’t get from the canned stuff.
Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe (Serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
For the meat filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 is good for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- ½ cup water or beef broth (to loosen the sauce)
For serving:
- 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw, or a fried egg on top
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until they begin to soften and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Brown the beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season with salt and black pepper. - Make the sauce:
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, and chili powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined. - Simmer:
Add the water or beef broth. Stir, bring the mixture to a low simmer, and let it cook uncovered for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce will thicken and cling to the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe a little more mustard or sugar, depending on your style. - Toast the buns:
While the meat simmers, lightly toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two. This helps keep them from getting soggy. - Assemble:
Spoon the meat mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Add any optional toppings like pickles or cheese. Top with the other half of the bun and serve warm.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Healthier version: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Sweeter version: Add a little more brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
- Sloppy Joe bowls: Serve the mixture over rice or mashed potatoes if you’re skipping the buns.