⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.7 (7,909 reviews) • 12,339 home cooks have made this recipe

Remember those carefree childhood dinners when the sweet and savory aroma of Sloppy Joes filled the kitchen? This timeless family favorite brings back those warm memories while offering a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Using simple pantry staples you likely already have, this proven recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes.

Quick Info

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 hearty sandwiches

What Is a Sloppy Joe?

A Sloppy Joe is the ultimate comfort sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a rich, sweet-and-tangy tomato sauce, all piled high on a soft hamburger bun. This beloved sandwich traces its roots back to Sioux City, Iowa, where it was created in the 1930s as a depression-era favorite that combined affordability with delicious flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and green pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
If using higher-fat ground beef, drain excess fat at this point. However, as our expert chef Nicole McLaughlin suggests, you might want to retain some fat to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist.
Add garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken to your desired consistency.
Serve generously on hamburger buns. Pro tip: Choose simple, basic buns that will soak up all that delicious sauce!

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joes

Nicole McLaughlin, our resident chef, shares these game-changing tips:

Skip draining all the fat after cooking to use it for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor
Basic hamburger buns work best as they absorb the sauce better than artisanal rolls
Don’t be shy with portioning – overflow is part of the experience! Serve with chips to scoop up any delicious spillover

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Sloppy Joe dinner into a memorable feast with these perfect side dishes:

Crispy homemade french fries
Creamy macaroni and cheese
Tangy dill pickles
Fresh house salad
Traditional Boston baked beans

Make-Ahead and Storage

Busy week ahead? These Sloppy Joes have got you covered! The meat mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

What Our Community Says

“This recipe is exactly what I remember from my childhood! So easy to make and my kids love it.” – Sarah M. “Perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I’ve made this at least a dozen times!” – Mike R. “Finally found THE Sloppy Joe recipe I’ll be using forever. No more canned sauce for us!” – Linda K.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (without bun):

Calories: 290
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 16g Note: Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult your healthcare provider for specific dietary needs.

Ready to Get Cooking?

Join the thousands of satisfied home cooks who have made this recipe their go-to Sloppy Joe solution. Don’t forget to share your creation with our community by leaving a review and uploading your photos!

Looking for variations? Check out our collection of Sloppy Joe recipes, including turkey, vegetarian, and spicy versions. Your perfect Sloppy Joe adventure starts here!