These Sloppy Joes are sweet, tangy, and messy in the best way. You get a rich sauce clinging to seasoned ground beef, piled onto soft buns for an easy weeknight dinner that feels nostalgic and comforting. And yes—homemade tastes so much better than the canned stuff.
Introduction
If you need a fast dinner that makes everyone happy, Sloppy Joes are the answer. They’re a family favorite, and readers love how simple the sauce is. It’s also super meal prep friendly—make the filling once and use it for sandwiches, bowls, or wraps all week.
The standout trick is simmering the sauce just long enough to thicken and coat the beef. That’s how you get that classic sloppy joe texture without watery sauce. Once you try these Sloppy Joes, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joes
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready fast with pantry ingredients.
- Better than store-bought: Fresh sauce tastes richer and less sweet.
- Family-friendly: Classic comfort food flavors.
- Great for meal prep: Leftover filling is super versatile.
- Customizable: Make it sweeter, tangier, or spicier.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
Main
- Ground beef (1 lb): Classic sloppy joe base.
- Swap: Ground turkey.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds savory flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds depth.
Sauce
- Ketchup (3/4 cup): Sweet tomato base.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz): Adds richness and body.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetness that balances the tang.
- Swap: Honey (2 tbsp).
- Yellow mustard (1 tbsp): Tangy bite.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Savory depth.
- Swap: Soy sauce (1 tsp).
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens and balances.
- Swap: White vinegar.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adjust to taste.
For Serving
- Hamburger buns (6): Soft and classic.
- Tip: Toasting buns helps prevent sogginess.
- Optional: Pickles, sliced cheese, or coleslaw for topping.
How to Make Sloppy Joes
- 1. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 2. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Add ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- 4. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water.
- 5. Toast buns if you can. Spoon filling onto buns and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joes
- Simmer uncovered: Helps the sauce thicken to the right texture.
- Toast the buns: Prevents soggy bottoms and tastes better.
- Taste and tweak: Add vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
- Drain fat: Keeps sauce from getting greasy.
- Make extra: Leftovers are great for quick meals.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Veggie boost: Add diced bell pepper with the onion.
- BBQ twist: Replace half the ketchup with barbecue sauce.
- Low-sugar option: Reduce brown sugar and add extra vinegar for balance.
- Leftover idea: Serve filling over baked potatoes or fries.
Storing & Reheating
Store Sloppy Joes filling in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water if it thickens.
Freeze filling for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with chips, fries, or roasted potatoes.
- Pair with coleslaw or a simple salad.
- Great for game day and casual gatherings.
- Perfect weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
Reader Review: “These sloppy joes are so much better than the canned version. The sauce is perfect and my kids loved them!”
If you make these Sloppy Joes, leave a rating and comment! Do you like yours sweeter, tangier, or spicy?
Print
Sloppy Joes (Best Ever, Easy, Better Than Takeout)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 sandwiches 1x
Description
These sloppy joes are saucy, sweet-tangy, and easy—an old-school dinner that’s ready in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 to 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown beef 6 minutes.
Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4 minutes. Add garlic 30 seconds.
Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 8 to 10 minutes until thick.
Spoon onto buns and serve.
Notes
Thicker: Simmer uncovered longer. Thinner: Add a splash of water.
Make-ahead: Keeps 4 days refrigerated; freezes 2 months (meat mixture only).
Tools: Skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American