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
1 hr 15 mins
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
1 hr 50 mins
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.
This is truly the best recipe I have ever used for sloppy Joes and I cook all kinds of different recipes Thank you will use this from now on!!
I haven’t had Sloppy Joes since grade school & loved them then. Saw Rachel’s recipe & decided to give them a try. I followed the recipe exactly as written. Both my husband & I were so pleased that we had seconds. Luckily we have some left over & look forward to having again tonight. Great creation, Rachel & good job.
Thank-you for this wonderful recipe!
It was devoured by my guys and so much more healthier! Will be doubling it for a potluck!
Made it today its the best sloppy Joe I ever had.
I enjoy watching you and your delicious recipes.
Thank you
Grace Teixeira from Massachusetts
Excellent sloppy joe recipe! Not too sweet, not too ketchupy! I used a red pepper instead of a green pepper! The video shows the addition of the vegetables with the meat while the written recipe has only the onions added to the meat! Also the video has it simmering for five minutes. No matter how you fix it I am sure it will be Dee-Lish!
So good!!
As a kid (65 years ago) we were sorta poor. Mom used Hamburg (?72%) cooked more to drain grease. Chopped sweet onion.Celery. Canned Tomato Soup (cheaper than paste and sauce) maybe a tsp. of Dad’s private Worcestershire (but don’t tell), garlic salt, pepper and MAYBE 1/4 cup katchup . Always toasted bread or broiled buns with margarine. Not huge piled on bun/toast, but TWO on a good night. Never had them when Dad was home for dinner……no fish when he was home either. We never starved and you could taste ‘love’ in every bite. I still make SJ,for old time sake, every once in a while. Thanks for the memories.
Excellent recipe! My grandson loves sloppy joes. I made these for him yesterday and he asked for more! He’s a picky eater so I sent the rest home with him and the rest of the family shared the leftovers! I got a call from my daughter in law this morning for the recipe! Sloppy joes were a hit! Thanks!
Way too much salt, but otherwise, a great recipe.
Delicious !