Sloppy Joes are a family favorite at our house, and they’re easy to make from scratch. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights—this classic sandwich is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Easy Sloppy Joes recipe
Making Sloppy Joes from scratch is quick and straightforward. This basic recipe uses common pantry ingredients and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
My husband’s favorite meal is Sloppy Joes, so I make them often. They’re satisfying, kid-friendly, and far better than the canned versions. You can easily swap proteins—ground pork, turkey, chicken, or even venison work well—so this is a versatile go-to dish.
Sloppy Joes sauce
The sauce thickness depends on how long you simmer it. If you prefer a thick, less messy sandwich, simmer 20–30 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the meat. For a saucier, “sloppier” result, simmer for a shorter time.
Can you freeze Sloppy Joes
Yes. Store the cooled meat mixture in an airtight, freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for 3–6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Sides for Sloppy Joes
Many sides pair nicely with Sloppy Joes—think anything you’d enjoy with a sandwich. Popular choices include macaroni salad, potato salad, creamy pea salad, homemade potato chips, mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, or refrigerator pickles.
- Macaroni Salad
- Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
- Creamy Pea Salad
- Homemade Potato Chips
- Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
- Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Refrigerator Pickles
Sloppy Joes recipe
- 1 pound ground beef – or substitute ground pork, turkey, chicken, or venison
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or orange bell pepper works too)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed (swap with a low-carb sweetener if desired)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup ketchup (use a low-sugar variety for fewer carbs)
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
How to make Sloppy Joes
Time needed: 40 minutes
How to make Sloppy Joes
- Cook the ground beef.
Brown and crumble the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the sauce.
Add chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook briefly until softened. Stir in brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, and ketchup. Simmer the mixture for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve.
Spoon the meat mixture onto hamburger buns and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Tips
- Simmer longer for a thicker sauce; cook less for a saucier result.
- For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- To reduce sugar or carbs, use low-sugar ketchup and a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar.
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake
- Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy José Sandwiches
- Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Easy Mac and Cheese
Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium skillet
- Spatula or spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Brown and crumble the ground beef in a medium skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and green pepper and cook until softened. Stir in brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, and ketchup. Simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Serve the meat mixture on hamburger buns.
Notes
- The longer the sauce simmers, the thicker it becomes. Shorter simmering yields a saucier result.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Use low-sugar ketchup and a sugar substitute to reduce carbs and sugar.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 sandwich • Calories: 302 kcal • Carbohydrates: 31 g • Protein: 14 g • Fat: 13 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Originally published on November 23, 2012. Updated on April 26, 2021.