How to Make Delicious Sloppy Joes: Easy Homemade Recipe

There’s a comforting nostalgia wrapped up in every bite of a Sloppy Joe! These famously messy, yet utterly delicious sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners and casual get-togethers. Imagine savory ground beef, simmered with sweet onions and bell peppers in a tangy, flavorful sauce, piled high on a soft bun. Forget those lukewarm cafeteria versions – we’re talking about homemade Sloppy Joes that are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. They’re as fun to eat as they are to prepare, making them a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Sloppy Joes are a weeknight dinner hero, coming together in under 30 minutes. Serve them alongside classic side dishes like sautéed broccoli for a touch of green, creamy stovetop mac and cheese for ultimate comfort, or hearty smashed potatoes and roasted broccoli for a more balanced and wholesome meal. Ready to learn How To Make Sloppy Joes that will become a new family favorite? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Sloppy Joes

Below are all the simple ingredients you’ll need to create these flavorful homemade Sloppy Joes. Check out the notes for some helpful tips and substitutions.

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean) is ideal for Sloppy Joes. You don’t need a fattier blend as we’re adding plenty of flavor. Lean beef prevents excess grease and keeps the focus on the delicious sauce.
Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These classic vegetables form the aromatic base of our Sloppy Joe filling, adding sweetness and a touch of freshness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that pungent, savory depth that elevates the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the buns, olive oil adds a subtle richness.
Cider Vinegar: This is the secret ingredient for that signature tangy flavor in Sloppy Joes. Cider vinegar provides the perfect balance to the sweetness and savory notes.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and molasses-like depth, complementing the tangy vinegar and savory spices.
Ketchup: The base of our Sloppy Joe sauce, ketchup provides sweetness and tomatoey flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-rich sauce adds complexity and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chili Powder: For a warm, slightly spicy flavor that’s characteristic of Sloppy Joes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick and a layer of heat.
Salt: To enhance all the flavors and balance the sauce.
Water: To help create the perfect saucy consistency.
Hamburger Buns: Soft hamburger buns are the traditional choice for Sloppy Joes.

See the recipe card at the end of this post for exact ingredient quantities.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sloppy Joes

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Sloppy Joes every time. The numbered photos correspond to each step, making it easy to follow along.

Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice one medium yellow onion and one large green bell pepper into small, even pieces. Mince 5 cloves of garlic finely. Set these aside, ready to go. In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the hot pan. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent.

Add 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to the pan with the softened vegetables. Increase the heat to medium-high.
Sauté the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the pan. Once the beef is cooked, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine the spices with the beef and vegetables.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Pour in 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of water into the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce starts to simmer gently. Taste test the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to your preference. Once you are satisfied with the taste, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture continue to simmer while you prepare the buns. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, prepare your hamburger buns. Heat a separate pan or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Open 4 hamburger buns and place them cut-side-down in the hot pan or griddle. Cook until the buns are lightly toasted and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Toasting the buns adds a wonderful texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
Once the buns are toasted and the Sloppy Joe mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Divide the flavorful beef mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns. Place the top halves of the buns on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes!

Top Tips for Making the Best Sloppy Joes

Make Ahead Magic: The Sloppy Joe mixture actually tastes even better the next day! This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Prepare the filling in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches.
Sauce Consistency Control: If you find your Sloppy Joe sauce is too thick or dry, easily adjust the consistency by adding a tablespoon or two of water at a time. Stir well after each addition until you reach your desired sauciness.
Bun Variations: While hamburger buns are traditional, feel free to get creative! For a slightly less “sloppy” experience, try serving the Sloppy Joe filling in hot dog buns. You can also use slider buns for mini Sloppy Joes, perfect for appetizers or parties. Toasted brioche buns would also add a touch of extra richness.
Spice Level Customization: Adjust the amount of chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Add a Secret Ingredient: For an even richer and more complex flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.

More Retro Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Sloppy Joes and are looking for more simple, retro-inspired recipes, be sure to try these other classics:

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole: A creamy and comforting casserole that’s always a hit.
Homemade Meatloaf: A hearty and flavorful meatloaf recipe that’s perfect for family dinners.
Creamy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing.
Chicken Pot Pie: A warm and satisfying pie filled with chicken and vegetables.

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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe

By James Delmage and Tara

Recipe Rating: 4.9 stars (based on 22 votes)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

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These are definitely not your school cafeteria Sloppy Joes! Loaded with tangy and savory flavors, this homemade recipe is as fun to make as it is to devour.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon chili powder
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup water, plus more if needed
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add ground beef to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Sauté beef until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), then drain any excess grease. Stir in salt, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well and bring to a low simmer.
Taste test the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while preparing buns.
Heat a separate pan or griddle over medium heat with a touch of olive oil. Place hamburger buns, cut side down, in the pan and cook until lightly browned (about 1-2 minutes).
Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom buns and top with the other halves. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Makes 4 large or 6 moderate-sized Sloppy Joes.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 ounces of water to reach desired consistency.
Leftover Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.

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