Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joes Recipe
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It’s quick and easy — from start to finish in about 45 minutes
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The flavour is rich and satisfying: the sweet‑and‑tangy sauce brings out the best in the beef
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It’s versatile — serve it traditionally in a bun, or use the meat over pasta, salad or nachos
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Comfort‑food appeal: messy, fun to eat, and a crowd‑pleaser for kids and adults alike
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Minimal, approachable ingredients that you likely already have on hand
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
½ cup diced yellow onion
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
4 hamburger buns
Directions
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Cook and crumble the ground beef together with the diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, drain off any excess fat.
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Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning salt to the cooked beef and onions. Stir to combine well.
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Reduce heat to low, then allow the mixture to simmer for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives time for the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Serve the sloppily sauced mixture on hamburger buns. Scoop generous portions onto the bottom half of the bun, top with the lid, and enjoy immediately while hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Swap in ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
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Stir in cheddar cheese slices or shredded cheese just before serving for a “Cheesy Sloppy Joe” twist
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To make the mixture thicker, whisk together a small amount of cornstarch with water and add during the simmering stage until you reach your desired consistency
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Serve the meat over spaghetti instead of buns, or pile it on nachos with chips, cheese and additional toppings
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Use the mixture as a topping for a baked potato, stuffed peppers, or in a wrap for a fun sandwich variation
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store any leftover mixture in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 5–7 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet with a couple tablespoons of water (to prevent drying), or microwave until warmed through. Serve again on buns or your preferred base.
FAQs
What kind of meat can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground “meat” substitute. The cooking process is the same; you might just adjust the seasoning slightly because turkey and chicken have milder flavour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — you can prepare the meat mixture ahead, cool it, and then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble on buns. The flavours may deepen when made ahead.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix about 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch with an equal part of cold water to make a slurry, then add it while simmering and stir until the mixture reaches your desired thickness.
Can I use something other than hamburger buns?
Absolutely. You could use slider rolls, sandwich rolls, hot dog buns, wraps, or even serve the meat over rice, spaghetti or a bed of salad greens.
Is this recipe spicy?
No — this version is mild. If you prefer heat, you could add a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños or a spicy seasoning to taste.
How can I add vegetables?
Diced bell peppers, celery or carrots can be sautéed with the onions at the beginning. They’ll add extra flavour, texture and nutrition without changing the basic structure of the recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — the ingredients scale easily. Just ensure your skillet or pot is large enough for the increased volume and still allows for proper simmering so the flavours develop.
Will the buns get soggy?
If the mixture is very watery, the buns could soften quickly. To prevent this, ensure you simmer long enough so that excess liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly. You might also toast the buns lightly before adding the filling.
What toppings go well with Sloppy Joes?
Classic toppings include a slice of cheddar or American cheese, pickles, diced onions, lettuce, or even a drizzle of ranch or sriracha mayo. These add contrast and extra flavour.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free buns (or gluten-free bread) and ensure your seasoning salt and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free versions. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free friendly.
Conclusion
This take on Sloppy Joes brings together comfort, convenience and flavour in one satisfying sandwich. With simple ingredients and only about 45 minutes from start to finish, it makes a great option for busy weeknights or casual family meals. The rich tomato-and-brown-sugar sauce gives the ground beef tender, savoury sweetness, while the classic bun base keeps things fun and easy. Customize it with veggies, cheese or different meats to make it your own — then serve, enjoy and embrace the “sloppy” deliciousness.
Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These classic Sloppy Joes are a quick and easy dinner made with ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and simple seasonings, served on a hamburger bun.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer on low for about 5-10 minutes to thicken and heat through.
- Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on hamburger buns and enjoy.
Notes
- You can toast the buns for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add chopped onions or green peppers for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
