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Sloppy Joe

By Matt Price

Jul 17, 2024, Updated Mar 15, 2026

Sloppy Joe Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

Introduction:

When it comes to hearty, satisfying comfort food, few dishes rival the beloved Sloppy Joe. Originating in the United States, this messy yet delicious sandwich has been a staple in households and diners for decades.

While you might be familiar with the canned version, making Homemade Sloppy Joes from scratch elevates the flavors to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

What Are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes consist of a savory filling made with ground beef (or other ground meats), onions, peppers, and a tangy-sweet tomato-based sauce, all sandwiched between soft hamburger buns.

The name “Sloppy Joe” reflects its messy nature, as the deliciously saucy filling tends to spill out of the bun with every bite. It’s this messy charm that adds to the enjoyment of eating Sloppy Joes!

Get the party started by knocking out your prep work. Dice the peppers and onions equally and set aside.

Next, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef. (I like 80/20). Use your spatula to break the beef up as it cooks and then season to taste with the seasonings listed. 

Next, add the tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, beef base, and a splash of water. Allow this to simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes.

Optionally, I like to add some fried onions and pickles to mine – for a bit of an elevated approach (if that is even possible with a sloppy Joe, lol) My all-purpose seasoned flour makes INCREDIBLE fried onions and can be found here https://www.mrmakeithappen.shop

Tips for Success:

• Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess: Feel free to adjust the amount of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
• Variations: Experiment with adding additional spices or vegetables such as celery, carrots, or jalapeños to customize the flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Sloppy Joes are a great option for family meals, as kids tend to love the saucy, messy nature of the sandwich.

Conclusion

Homemade Sloppy Joes are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and the softness of the bun creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Don't miss my garlic butter steak bites in less than 30 minutes for another delicious option. Don't miss my steak & rice skillet with chipotle lime crema for another delicious option. If you love this, you'll also enjoy my chili dog.

Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood dinners or discovering this classic dish for the first time, Homemade Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgic comfort with this delicious recipe! Don't miss my download, sizzle, serve for another delicious option. Don't miss my budget for another delicious option. You might also love my lemon garlic butter lamb chops.

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Sloppy Joe

Matt Price

Homemade Sloppy Joes are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and the softness of the bun creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're reminiscing about childhood dinners or discovering this classic dish for the first time, Homemade Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgic comfort with this delicious recipe!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Beef Recipes, Favorites, Sandwiches

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 366 kcal

Equipment

1 Mr. Make It Happen Skillet or preferred cooking skillet

1 Mr. Make It Happen Knife or preferred kitchen knife

Baking Sheet with Wire Rack

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
• ▢ 1 small onion finely chopped
• ▢ ½ green and ½ red bell pepper finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• ▢ ¼ cup tomato paste
• ▢ ½ cup ketchup
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon mustard dijon or yellow mustard works well
• ▢ ½ teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon better than bouillon beef base
• ▢ AP Seasoning to taste
• ▢ Hamburger buns for serving
• ▢ Fried Onions
• ▢ Pickles

Instructions

 

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Finely chop 1 small onion, ½ green bell pepper, and ½ red bell pepper.
• Mince 2 cloves of garlic or use 1 tablespoon of garlic paste.

Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the beef up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables:

• Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce:

• Stir in ¼ cup tomato paste, ½ cup ketchup, 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard, and ½ teaspoon chili powder.
• Add 1 teaspoon better than bouillon beef base and AP seasoning to taste. Mix well.
• Add a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Simmer:

• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Serve:

• Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns.
• Top with fried onions and pickles if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 21gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 674mgPotassium: 698mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1414IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 3mg

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