I just love a great Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe. There’s something about the smell of Sloppy Joe filling the kitchen that is so nostalgic. It is such a delicious and quick meal that can be made any night of the week. Today I will unveiling my method to creating the perfect homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich. It is a medley of flavors and textures that make for a memorable meal and one that will become a family favorite. 

How to Make Sloppy Joe

Every great Sloppy Joe begins with the perfect ensemble of ingredients and fresh ingredients are key. Use lean ground beef or if you prefer ground turkey. Lean meat is prefer to reduce the fat content of the meal. Next use fresh veggies. Fresh veggies enhances the taste of any meal. And lastly, choose a great bun to place this wonderful and sloppy concoction. Brioche bun, pretzel bun or hamburger bun will do the trick.  

Watch the Video (Sloppy Joe Recipe Tutorial)

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe

For my recipe you will need the following:

lean ground beef, yellow onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, can of diced tomatoes, ketchup, yellow mustard, of Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, brioche buns (hamburger buns) black pepper and salt (or Kosher salt). It’s this perfect balance of these ingredients that creates the tasty savory sauce.

Note: Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef. 

Instructions for Sloppy Joe Recipe

Step 1: Browning Ground Beef for Sloppy Joe Recipe

Heat to medium a large pan then add the ground meat. As it sizzles and starts to cook, season with salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the dish’s savory flavors. Continue cooking the beef until it begins to brown.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

Next, add the onion, green pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Allow them to cook for four minutes. This creates a colorful, fragrant medley that sets the stage for the final outcome.

As the vegetables soften, add the ketchup, diced tomatoes, and water and mix well.

Add the mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients elevate the flavor of this dish by adding tanginess, sweetness, and depth. Mix it well then allow it to cook on medium low heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it is ready to serve. 

Step 3: Tips for Serving: What to Eat with Sloppy Joe

This simple recipe is such delicious and easy dish that makes for a quick weeknight meal. It is made with simple ingredients and when put together creates a hearty sandwich the entire family can enjoy. Sloppy joe pairs well with potato chips, potato salad, salad and baked beans. And if you manage to have any of this delicious meal leftover, just store it in an airtight container to eat it the next day. 

Consider toasting the brioche buns lightly before topping them with the meat mixture. The contrast in texture will be a delightful experience for the palate.

Don’t be afraid to add your twist to this classic recipe. Top with hot sauce, experiment with different types of peppers, seasonings or sauces (hot sauce, bbq sauce, pepper flakes, chili powder, dry mustard, etc).

Sloppy Joes Recipe is a nostalgic classic meal that has been enjoyed for years and will be for years to come. It is so comforting and filling that it makes for a great meal. Try this recipe and embark on a culinary adventure with homemade Sloppy Joes.

Common Questions

What exactly is a sloppy joe? 

Sloppy Joe is simply seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, tomato sauce (or ketchup), and variety of spices served on a hamburger bun.

How do you make sloppy joes better? 

There are many ways to enhance the taste to your liking. I do so by choosing a different variety of meat, changing or adding different seasonings and peppers or in my choice of bun. You can make it sweeter, more tangy or kick up the spice. 

What Side Dish goes with sloppy joes?

Try these side dishes with sloppy joe: potato salad, potato chips, baked beans, salad, mac and cheese or cabbage.