Sloppy Joe Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Recipe makes the ultimate saucy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s easy to throw together any night of the week.
Ground beef simmers in a rich homemade sauce with just the right balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
Every bite is packed with deep, comforting flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Everything comes together in one pan with simple ingredients, making this a go-to recipe for quick dinners. Serve it on toasted buns for the classic experience or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist. However you serve it, this one is always a hit.
Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe Highlights
- 30-MINUTE DINNER – Quick and easy for busy weeknights.
- MADE FROM SCRATCH – No canned sauce, just real ingredients.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY – A nostalgic meal that kids and adults both love.
- FREEZER-FRIENDLY – Make ahead and store for later.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
BEEF – Using 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef gives you the best balance of flavor and juiciness without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too, but you might need to add a little extra oil or broth to keep it from drying out.
OIL – Just a bit to sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic before adding the meat. It helps bring out their sweetness and adds a little richness. If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content, you might not need as much.
ONION and GARLIC – Yellow onion adds a mild, sweet flavor that blends into the sauce beautifully. If you like a little more bite, red or white onion works too, but yellow is the most classic choice for sloppy joes. Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold, slightly spicy kick, but you can swap in garlic powder if you’re in a pinch (use about half a teaspoon per clove).
GREEN BELL PEPPER – This gives a slight crunch and a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you’re not a fan of green bell peppers, red or yellow will work, though they’re a little sweeter. You can also leave it out entirely, but it does add a nice depth of flavor.
SAUCES – A combination of tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste creates a thick and hearty base. Tomato sauce keeps the texture smooth, while ketchup adds a little sweetness and tang. Tomato paste brings richness and depth, making the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
LIQUID – Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor that makes everything taste better. Apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a slight tang and balances the richness. If you don’t have Worcestershire, soy sauce or a dash of steak sauce can work in a pinch. White vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar, but it won’t have the same touch of sweetness.
MUSTARD – Yellow mustard adds a little zing and helps balance the sweetness of the sauce. It gives sloppy joes their signature tangy bite. You can swap it with Dijon for a little more complexity, but classic yellow mustard keeps it traditional.
SUGAR – Brown sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. It adds a slightly caramelized, molasses-like sweetness that works perfectly with the Worcestershire and mustard.
SPICES – Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, making the sauce taste like it’s been simmering all day. Chili powder adds warmth and rounds out the flavors without making the sloppy joes spicy. Onion powder boosts the onion flavor without adding extra bulk. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning—start with a little and adjust to taste.
BUNS – Soft, sturdy buns hold up best against the saucy filling. Brioche buns add a slight sweetness, while classic hamburger buns are always a solid choice. If you like a little crunch, lightly toasting the buns keeps them from getting too soggy.
How To Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened, then stir in garlic.
- Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and season.
- Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl, pour over the beef, and stir to coat.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, then serve on toasted buns.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Store the Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If possible, let it cool before storing to prevent condensation from making it watery.
FREEZE – Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
REHEAT – For small portions, use the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For larger portions, warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if it seems too thick.
MAKE AHEAD – Absolutely! The flavors actually get better as they sit. You can make the sloppy joe mixture up to 2 days in advance and just reheat it when ready to serve.
TIP – The flavor gets even better after sitting for a few hours, so you can make the sloppy joe mixture earlier in the day and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
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Serving Suggestions
CRISPY OVEN FRIES – Golden and crunchy, these fries are perfect for scooping up extra sloppy joe sauce. Baking them at high heat gives them a crisp texture without the need for frying.
CLASSIC COLESLAW – A cool, crisp slaw adds the perfect refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy filling. A vinegar-based slaw brings extra tang, while a creamy version keeps things extra classic.
BAKED BEANS – Sweet and smoky baked beans bring an extra layer of comfort to the meal. Their deep, caramelized flavor complements the savory sloppy joe mixture perfectly.
PARMESAN CRUSTED POTATOES – Crispy on the outside with a savory, cheesy coating, these potatoes add a bold, satisfying crunch that pairs well with the saucy sloppy joes.
CORN ON THE COB – Buttery, slightly charred corn balances the bold flavors of the sauce. Roasting or grilling it brings out its natural sweetness, making it an easy and delicious side.
ROASTED POTATOES – Soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy golden exterior, roasted potatoes bring a hearty, satisfying side to round out the meal. Season them with garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
Recipe Success Tips
USE THE RIGHT GROUND BEEF – An 85/15 or 90/10 blend works best. It has enough fat to keep the meat juicy but not so much that it turns greasy. If you use leaner beef, you might need to add a splash of oil or a bit of beef broth for moisture.
DRAIN THE GREASE, BUT NOT ALL OF IT – After browning the beef, drain most of the grease, but leaving a little behind helps carry flavor and prevents the meat from drying out.
MAKE IT EXTRA SAUCY – If you like your sloppy joes super saucy, add an extra ¼ cup of tomato sauce or a splash of beef broth while simmering. You can also double the sauce ingredients if you want a thicker, more flavorful mixture.
LET IT SIMMER – The sauce thickens and gets richer as it cooks. Even though the sloppy joe mixture is ready in about 10 minutes, letting it simmer for a few extra minutes will deepen the flavor. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
ADJUST THE SWEETNESS – The brown sugar balances out the acidity of the tomato sauce, but if you prefer a tangier sloppy joe, reduce the sugar by half or leave it out completely. If you like a little extra sweetness, you can add a drizzle of honey or even a splash of cola.
SPICE IT UP – Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño to the mix. A little red pepper flakes also work well if you like a mild kick.
USE DIFFERENT MEATS – Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used instead of beef. If using turkey or chicken, add a little extra oil or broth to keep it from drying out.
DON’T SKIMP ON WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE – This ingredient adds depth and a little umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or a dash of steak sauce can work in a pinch, but Worcestershire really makes a difference.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Can I make Sloppy Joes without sugar?
Yes! The brown sugar adds a little balance, but you can skip it or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a tangier sauce, just leave it out entirely.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire, you can use soy sauce, steak sauce, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
What’s the difference between homemade Sloppy Joes and Manwich?
Manwich is a pre-made canned sauce, while this homemade version has fresher, richer flavors with better control over sweetness and spice. It’s also much thicker and doesn’t have the processed taste of store-bought versions.
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Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional For Serving
- 6 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
I had been using canned sloppy Joe ” mix” up until now, but will never do so again. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results really are yummy. Savory and tangy with a hint of sweetness. I didn’t have a green bell pepper, so left it out. It makes 6-8 burger bun size portions so is perfect and economical for a family. Going to keep this in my recipe folder for nights I want to make something quick and easy and delicious.