The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade sloppy joe recipe is a huge upgrade from the canned versions, offering a fresh and flavorful twist. With a silky, rich sauce and just the right amount of kick, it’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy. The homemade sauce is incredibly easy to make, and you’ll love how quickly everything comes together. Plus, this dish is customizable to your taste—whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or more savory, it’s all up to you!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.

2. Add ground beef to the skillet and brown, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks (about 5 minutes). Transfer the beef to a colander to drain.

3. In the same skillet, add minced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

5. Return the beef to the skillet, then add tomato paste and stir well.

6. Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir to combine.

7. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.

8. Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add more chili powder or a few extra dashes of hot sauce to spice things up.

• Sweet Sloppy Joes: Reduce the chili powder and increase the brown sugar for a sweeter version.

• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly option.

• BBQ Sloppy Joes: Mix in a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for sloppy joes?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to maintain the flavor.

2. How can I make sloppy joes less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the chili powder and red pepper flakes, and avoid adding hot sauce.

3. Can I freeze homemade sloppy joes?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. What kind of buns are best for sloppy joes?

Soft hamburger buns or toasted brioche buns are ideal for sloppy joes. They hold the mixture well and add extra flavor.

5. Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

6. Is it necessary to drain the beef?

Yes, draining the beef helps reduce excess grease and keeps the sloppy joe mixture from being too greasy.

7. Can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love heat, you can add more hot sauce, chili powder, or even some diced jalapeños to kick up the spice level.

8. Can I use a different type of pepper instead of green bell pepper?

Absolutely! You can substitute green bell pepper with red, yellow, or even poblano peppers for a slightly different flavor.

9. What can I serve with sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes are great with side dishes like coleslaw, baked fries, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with chips or pickles for extra crunch.

10. Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as an alternative.

Conclusion

These homemade sloppy joes are the ultimate weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Customize it to your tastes, and enjoy this classic comfort food with a fresh, homemade twist!