I love this recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and flexible. The sauce blends tomato, sweet, and tangy elements into meat that’s easy to assemble. It’s perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or even a game-day party. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, and I can tweak it—add veggies, spice it up, or use turkey or plant-based meat—to suit my needs.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
▢ ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based alternative) ▢ onion, diced ▢ green bell pepper, diced ▢ garlic, minced ▢ ketchup ▢ tomato sauce ▢ brown sugar ▢ Worcestershire sauce ▢ mustard ▢ optional: chili powder or hot sauce for heat ▢ salt and pepper ▢ hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Directions
Brown the meat & sauté aromatics
I start by heating a skillet over medium heat. I add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Then I drain off any excess fat if needed. I add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables soften and everything smells amazing.
Make the sauce & combine
Next, I stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. I taste and season with salt, pepper, and optionally a little chili powder or hot sauce for a touch of heat. I bring everything to a simmer and reduce the heat to let it thicken gently, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld.
Assemble & serve
Once the sauce has thickened and is rich and glossy, I spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto soft hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. I often toast the buns lightly before filling to help them hold up to the saucy mixture. Then I serve right away—messy, flavorful, and absolutely comforting.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings (depending on bun size and appetite). Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15–20 minutes Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I use ground turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter version. For extra nutrition, I add finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions and peppers. When I’m craving a little heat, I stir in cayenne or hot sauce. For a smoky twist, I add smoked paprika or chipotle powder. If I want to change up the sweetness, I swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey—it’s delicious both ways.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I warm the mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce if it’s too thick. I prefer to reheat on the stovetop rather than in the microwave—it keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! I often cook it in advance and reheat it before serving. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I freeze sloppy joe mixture?
Absolutely. I let it cool completely, then freeze it in portioned containers. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently when needed.
What buns are best?
Soft hamburger buns or brioche rolls are my favorites. I like to toast them lightly so they hold up to the sauce.
How spicy can I make it?
As spicy as I want! I add hot sauce, cayenne, or even minced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. I use plant-based crumbles and make sure the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are vegan.
Why is my sauce runny?
It might need more simmering time to thicken. I keep it on low heat until the consistency is perfect.
Can I use leftover meat?
Yes! I’ve used shredded chicken or leftover roast beef—just adjust the seasoning and sauce ratio.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, but I mix it with a little water or broth so the sauce doesn’t get too thick.
What goes well with Sloppy Joes?
I love serving them with coleslaw, fries, potato salad, pickles, or a crisp green salad.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
I lightly toast the buns or spread a thin layer of butter on the inside to act as a barrier.
Conclusion
I always fall back on this Sloppy Joe recipe when I want something comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing. The juicy, tangy meat mixture tucked into a soft bun is pure comfort food. Whether I’m feeding my family, hosting guests, or just craving a nostalgic favorite, these homemade Sloppy Joes never disappoint.
Classic homemade Sloppy Joes made with savory ground beef, a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, and soft hamburger buns. Quick, hearty, and family-friendly, this nostalgic favorite is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey or plant-based meat)
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and optional chili powder or hot sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Serve warm.
Notes
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
For smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
