Sloppy Joes are more than just a meal; they’re a trip down memory lane. This homemade version retains the classic appeal of the sandwich but with a fresher, more flavorful profile. The blend of lean ground beef with diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery introduces a wonderful texture and depth of flavor, transforming the historically mushy sandwich into a hit with adults and kids alike. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Homemade Sauce: Savor the unique blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar that creates a sauce bursting with depth and flavor.
- Common Pantry Ingredients: Utilize everyday items like onions, garlic, and ground beef, making this an accessible recipe any day.
- A Hit with Kids and Adults: Its familiar, savory-sweet taste is a proven favorite among all age groups.
- Ideal for Large Groups: Scale up effortlessly for parties or family gatherings.
- Great as Leftovers: The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making for delicious next-day meals.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein and sneaks in several vegetables for both nutrition and added texture.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Lean Ground Beef: The main protein source of the dish. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarians can opt for a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils for a similar texture.
- Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables add a subtle sweetness and crunch. Feel free to replace them with red or yellow bell peppers for a different flavor profile, or omit them entirely if you prefer.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp texture. If celery isn’t your thing, try chopped carrots or even a bit of chopped fennel for a similar crunch.
- Tomato Sauce & Paste: They provide the rich, tangy tomato base. If you don’t have tomato paste, increase the sauce slightly and simmer longer for thickness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth and umami. Soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar are great substitutes. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Garlic Cloves: Essential for flavor. Garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) or granulated garlic (1/4 teaspoon per clove) can be used as a substitute.
- Brown Sugar: Offers a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Maple syrup, honey, or even a small amount of molasses are good alternatives.
- Hamburger Buns: The traditional vehicle for sloppy Joes. Toast the buns to elevate your sloppy Joes if desired. Opt for gluten-free buns if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.
You can adjust the amount of vegetables to your own personal taste. However, the vegetables add extra flavor and amazing texture to this historically mushy sandwich of our childhood, and we do recommend sticking to the recipe as closely as possible. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
A lean ground beef (93/7) mixture is a great option for sloppy Joes. There’s hardly any fat which means you probably won’t even need to drain the grease off of your meat. If you like your sloppy Joes on the greasy side, feel free to use ground beef with a higher fat content.
Visual Guide to Making Sloppy Joes
Who Invented the Sloppy Joe?
There is much debate over who originally created the sloppy Joe. It is said that a man named Joe in Iowa possibly created the sloppy Joe in 1930. Another possibility, Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida has served sloppy Joes since they opened in 1933. Last but not least, Sloppy Joe’s Saloon in Havana is another contender for original creator.
So, who actually invented this favorite loose meat sandwich? The world may never know.
Troubleshooting
- Filling too runny? Simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Too spicy? Add a bit more brown sugar or tomato sauce to balance the heat.
- Filling too thick? Stir in a splash of water or more tomato sauce.
Tips From the Chef
- Brown the meat well to develop flavor.
- Drain excess fat for a less greasy filling.
- Let the mixture simmer to meld the flavors.
- Toast the buns for added texture and taste.
Storage, Freezer & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For freezing, cool the mixture completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Classic American Dinner Recipes
Momma’s Meatloaf
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Old Fashioned Beef Stew
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Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
15 mins
The Most Amazing Lasagna
2 hrs 35 mins
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Sounds good
Short, sweet and to the point!!
Great job!!!?
I liked how you had everything ready to add.
Just nice how you didn’t waste my time watching you prepare the ingredients.
I will have to give them a try. ?
Sounds very good!
Did you mean a 6 ounce can of tomato paste? ?
The recipes calls for a 6 ounce can of tomato paste and an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.
liked the video
very good recipes for sure
This recipe is great! Even my picky eaters liked it! Thank you!
Fan-flippin-tastic! Doubled the recipe and added 1/4cup of good ketchep (Heinz) and used chopped red Thai chilis instead of dry pepper flakes. These are delish!!!
How many calories is this meal? My family and I are on a diet and am looking for recipes they would enjoy.
I don’t offer nutritional information because I’m not a certified nutritionist and anything I offered would be inaccurate as it would come from an online calculator.
Hello! I love the way you present the recipes (without a lot of talk and wait time). I also appreciate that you are thorough.
I have a sloppy joe recipe that I’d like you to try (I am NOT a food blogger). This recipe has similar, yet different, ingredients. If you choose not to share it, that is fine:
2 1/2-3 lbs hamburger – brown meat and drain grease
1 chopped onion
1 1/3 c. ketchup
16 oz. tomato sauce
1/3 c. picante sauce or salsa
3 T. white vinegar
2 T. brown sugar
Add and simmer until thick or until onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns.
That sounds good too
I have used this recipe before and loved it, but now the recipe is not showing up on the page..
I redesigned the site today and there have been a few glitches. Sorry about that!