The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
Looking for a delightful and easy meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table? Look no further than The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe! This classic dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also packs tons of flavor and can be customized to suit your taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, your family will love this savory sandwich filled with hearty ingredients.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 400
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 650mg
Why Make The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
This recipe brings many benefits to your table. Firstly, it’s a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights when time is of the essence. Moreover, Sloppy Joes are versatile! You can tweak the ingredients to cater to different dietary preferences or make it a bit spicy for those who love heat.
Creating The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe also allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought options. It’s a comforting dish that brings nostalgia and joy to family dinners, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.
How to Make The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 green bell pepper, minced
1/2 large yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
1 Tbsp brown sugar (or less, if you prefer)
1 tsp yellow mustard
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of hot sauce (optional)
Directions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles as it browns, about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a colander to drain excess fat.
Using the same skillet, add the minced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the drained beef to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste, mixing well so the paste coats the meat evenly. Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce (optional). Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
Continue cooking over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and serve the sloppy joe mixture over toasted buns for a delicious and classic meal.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
For a complete meal, consider serving The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe with crispy sweet potato fries or a side salad for freshness. You could also pair it with coleslaw for a creamy crunch that complements the spicy flavors of the Sloppy Joes.
How to Store The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
To store leftovers, simply place the cooled Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the mixture for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Always drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to ensure a less greasy Sloppy Joe.
- For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer a few extra minutes after it thickens.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a bit more hot sauce.
- For a tangy twist, try using barbecue sauce in place of ketchup.
- Experiment with different types of bun, such as whole grain or even gluten-free options.
Delicious Variations of The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add more chili powder and jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Herbed Sloppy Joes: Mix in your choice of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh flavor.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a hearty, meatless option.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on trying The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe! Its rich flavor, straightforward preparation, and adaptability make it a fantastic choice for any meal. Cook it up and watch your family enjoy this comforting dish!

Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles as it browns for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the browned beef to a colander to drain excess fat.
- Using the same skillet, add the minced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to coat the meat.
- Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce (optional). Stir thoroughly.
- Continue cooking over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and serve the sloppy joe mixture over toasted buns.







