One evening, I needed to make something quick for dinner, and all I had was ground beef, some ketchup, and a few basic pantry ingredients. Instead of making burgers or tacos, I decided to throw everything together in a skillet, hoping for the best. The result? A rich, saucy, and delicious sloppy joe mixture that my family devoured.
Sloppy Joes have been a staple in my home ever since. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a no-fuss meal, this recipe is always a great choice.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 20mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first learned how to make Sloppy Joes from a friend who made them for a backyard cookout. I loved how simple and tasty they were, and I started making my own version at home. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to get the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Why Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are one of the easiest meals to make when you need something fast but flavorful. The ground beef is simmered in a rich, tangy sauce and served on soft hamburger buns. It’s a budget-friendly dish that kids and adults love, and it’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
What Is Sloppy Joes Made Of?
This dish is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously messy sandwich:
- Ground beef
- Onion and garlic
- Ketchup
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika)
- Soft hamburger buns
What to Have with Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are great on their own, but they pair well with:
- French fries or sweet potato fries – Classic pairing for a fun meal.
- Coleslaw – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Pickles – The tangy crunch balances the rich sauce.
- Potato chips – A quick and easy side.
- Roasted vegetables – If you want to add something lighter to the meal.
Is Sloppy Joes Healthy?
Sloppy Joes can be made healthier by using lean ground beef, whole wheat buns, and reducing the sugar in the sauce. You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon the meat mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.
Tips
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
- For a spicy version, mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Lightly toast the buns for extra texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze Sloppy Joes?
Absolutely! Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joes are a classic, no-fuss meal that’s quick to make and always a hit. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you can have a hearty and flavorful dinner on the table. Whether you serve them for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try it out and enjoy!
MORE RECIPES
Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.