This easy and delicious homemade sloppy joe recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be whipping up this classic comfort food in no time.
The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
The Sloppy Joe is as all-American as hot dogs and french fries. This recipe is full of flavor from onions, bell pepper, garlic, and brown sugar in a tomato-based sauce. They are the perfect blend of ingredients without being overly spicy or ridiculously bland. If you like them a little spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper, a bit of cayenne, or even one teaspoon of sriracha. I love to serve these with air fryer potato wedges, baked macaroni and cheese, green beans and potatoes, and funeral potatoes.
Why are they called Sloppy Joes?
The Sloppy Joe has been around since the 1950s. It came about as a variation on what used to be referred to as loose meat sandwiches. Legend has it that Joe, a cook at Floyd Angell’s cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, added tomato sauce to a loose meat sandwich, and that was the start of what we now call the Sloppy Joe. Thanks, Joe! I appreciate your creativity, and so does my family!!
Homemade Sloppy Joe Ingredients
How to make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until the veggies are soft and the ground beef is no longer pink. Next, carefully drain any excess fat. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Now stir in the apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, spicy barbecue sauce, ketchup, chili powder, and water. Simmer the meat mixture for about 20 minutes over low heat. Serve over any soft roll or, for a change of pace, serve over cooked rice, egg noodles, or homemade pizza dough for sloppy joe pizza.
How to make Sloppy Joes in a Crock Pot
Over medium heat, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Add the onion and pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Drain any excess grease and add it and the other ingredients to the crock pot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Recipe Tips
- Use ground beef with a bit of fat in it. The fat is what flavors the meat and makes it juicy and tasty. Drain the excess fat after browning the ground beef and cooking the veggies.
- Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Use a spicy barbecue sauce with limited sugar. I like Stubbs Barbecue Sauce.
- If the mixture seems to be a little drier than you like, add a little more water, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.
- Spoon over brioche bun, freshly baked hamburger buns, rice, or pasta.
- Add a couple of pinches of red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne, or a teaspoon of hot sauce to spice up the taste.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Freeze sloppy joe meat mixture in a freezer bag or freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small green pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard the condiment kind
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce see notes
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅓ -½ cup water
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 8 brioche or hamburger buns
Instructions
- Over medium heat, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Add the onion and pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Add the cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, ketchup, chili powder, and water.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes and spoon onto buns.
Notes
- Use ground beef with a little fat in it. The fat is what flavors the meat and makes it juicy and tasty. Just drain the excess fat after browning the ground beef and cooking the veggies.
- Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Use a spicy barbecue sauce with limited sugar. I like Stubbs Barbecue Sauce.
- If the mixture seems to be a little drier than you like, simply add a little more water, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.
- Spoon over brioche bun, freshly baked hamburger buns, rice, or pasta.
- To spice up the taste, add a couple of pinches of red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne, or a teaspoon of hot sauce.
- Freeze sloppy joe meat mixture in a freezer bag or freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition
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Kaitlyn W
These sloppy joes are my favorite. I love to eat it over fried potatoes or tater tots. It is so much better than buns or toast.
Beth Pierce
Sounds like a great idea!
Millie Huff
Best homemade sloppy joe recipe ever. So tasty! I served it on toasted brioche buns with a side of fried potatoes and your beer battered onion rings. Thanks for sharing all your great recipes with us.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Millie!
Edith Wade
Your Sloppy Joe recipe is a delicious classic! I appreciate the tip on adjusting the spice level to suit personal preferences—it’s great to have options for adding a bit of heat for those who enjoy it. I love to serve this tasty mixture over toasted fresh baked bread with your mac and cheese recipe. You have the best recips.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Edith I am so glad that you like my recipes.
Chrissy
I am a sucker for trying new sloppy joe recipes. My mom always made them for us when we were growing up. They were so yummy! I have been searching for a similar recipe. I think I have found it. Your recipe is just as good as my moms. Thanks for bringing back such wonderful memories.
Beth Pierce
That is great Chrissy! I am so glad that I could help! Isn’t it crazy how food can take us back to a special place in time.
Jupiter H.
When I was younger, I always remember having sloppy joes from a can! We’ve not had it in England, so thank you for this recipe so I can share some of the classic American food with my friends.
Yasmina
My first ever Sloppy Joe! Great to read how it got its name too. The meaty filling tastes amazing – full of flavour and it really is great comfort food! Try it over toasted English muffins!
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious!
Laura Lee
This is my new go to recipe for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Hubby and the kids love them. We like the buns buttered and grilled! We also like to serve it up with your air fryer potato wedges recipe! Delicious!
Beth Pierce
Okay now you are making me hungry, Laura Lee!
Kasey Waller
These sloppy joes are the best. They are so quick and easy to make and always a huge hit with the kiddos and hubby! The meat freezes well too as sometimes I make a double batch.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip, Kasey!
Heather B
I love good sloppy joes and this recipe did not disappoint. They were just as good as the ones my mom used to make. I really miss her homecooking!
Janey Price
These turned out so great. My kids all loved it and so did my husband. Don’t forget to toast the buns! It really does make a difference.
Beth Pierce
Great reminder, Janey!
Katie P
It was an easy recipe that turned out to be a comforting and satisfying meal. Definitely a recipe I’ll use again for a quick and tasty dinner.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Katie!
Kira V
I just made these homemade sloppy joes, and they turned out incredibly delicious! It was a simple recipe, but the result was a hearty, comforting meal that felt like a warm hug.
Beth Pierce
That is a great way to describe it! Thank you!
Erin S
Always a favorite at our house! I make this often. It is our favorite sloppy joe recipe.
Serenity Wright
My husband asked me to make this again for dinner! It was quick and easy to make. Especially delicious over brioche buns!
Beth Pierce
I agree on the brioche buns!
Addison Thompson
Sloppy Joes are my all time favorite food. Homemade sloppy joes are THE BEST and this recipe was so delicious!
Gabriella Duke
We loved this – so flavorful and I love that the seasonings didn’t come out of a package full of additives. YUM!
Kris
These sloppy joes are the best. We LOVE them! This is my new go to recipe. The whole family agrees! Thanks for the recipe.
Melissa
Oh my goodness….. homemade is always better than the store bought. So tasty and easy to make. Leftovers warm up so well. Just toss in a little bit of beef broth or water and simmer over the stove.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Melissa! So glad that you liked the sloppy joes!
Michelle Williams
The blend of flavors from onions, bell pepper, garlic, and that touch of brown sugar in the tomato-based sauce creates a mouthwatering experience. I served them over toasted english muffins for a change of pace. So incredibly delicious! This will be on repeat here.
Melanie E
Ha, would you believe I have never had a sloppy joe. I see where it gets its name. I’d love to try it!
Jane
Delicious! You hit the nail on the head with this tasty recipe. Even my picky kids loved these. We will make them again.
Tammy
I haven’t had sloppy joes in ages but always a delicious and comforting meal for the whole family especially during the winter months. I’ll have to make these for game day!
Sandy
This is such a satisfying meal! Everyone at my house enjoyed it! It was a hit! Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandy! I am so glad that you enjoyed the sloppy joes.
Teresa
Your Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is absolutely mouthwatering! It comes together quickly and uses ingredients commonly found at home, making it my new go-to for busy weeknight dinners. The kids and hubby absolutely love them. I will make them again, soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Teresa! So glad that you like the homemade sloppy joe recipe.
Lori
We just had this last night for dinner and it was delicious! Even our picky eater enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing this.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Lori!
Ree Ann
I have had a lot of sloppy joes in my time but these were the best. These tasty guys will be on regular rotation at our house. Thanks for sharing!
Maria
These sloppy joes were the perfect blend of sweet and spicy and so easy to make. I served them over toasted brioche buns with your baked mac amd cheese recipe. Delicious!
Katie
So good! I had not actually made a sloppy joe before this. The whole family loved them and the flavours are awesome.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Katie!
Tracey Kifford
They are amazing! But every time I eat them I need to change my top as I’m such a messy eater it goes everywhere!!
Beth Pierce
I understand completely.
Steph
Most of us grew up with sloppy Joe’s so these brought back some great memories from my mother’s kitchen! Delish recipe I am sure I will serve often this winter.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Steph! I am so glad that you liked the sloppy joe recipe.
Ben
Booyah! Sloppy Joes are one of the best foods on the planet. I made your recipe last night, and it is perfect. You got all the flavors and ratios spot-on, which I’ve found is surprisingly hard to do with sloppy joes.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Ben! They are so darn delicious!
Sam
These are the best sloppy joes. The family really enjoys them. They are now on regular rotation at our house.
Erin
These were so delish! Adding on our weeknight dinner rotation!
Julia
Homemade sloppy joes are the best! We loved this recipe and followed the instructions and it is so good!
Thank you for sharing another great recipe
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Julia.
Angie
This is such a classic, comforting recipe! My whole family always gobbles this up every time I make it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Angie! So glad that you like it.
Gianne
They are bursting with flavor and the combination of ground beef, onions, and tangy sauce is just perfect. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that always leaves me wanting more!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gianne! I am so glad that you liked the sloppy joes!
Holly
My husband loves sloppy joes, but I never make them because I think the canned stuff is gross! He’s sick this week so I decided to make them for him when I came across your recipe. I am a convert! This is so much better than the canned version. I appreciate the recipe. Win win all the way around 🙂
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed, Holly. I hope your husband feels better soon!
Sharon
Nothing beats this classic sloppy joe recipe. I love making it because I usually have everything to whip them up when the craving hits!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sharon! So glad that you like the sloppy joes.
kushigalu
Drooling over these. SO delicious. Thanks for sharing
pooja Malkani
Now this is what I call a great afternoon snack. Love the recipe and every bit of it. Delicious pictures
Angela
These were so delicious! My entire family loves this recipe and I can not wait to make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Angela! So glad that they liked it!
Ntensibe Edgar
Aaaawwwww…these sloppy joes turned out so well! It’s my first time hearing of them and I like them already.
Stephanie
I love the idea of making these at home from scratch to avoid all the processed stuff in the storebought versions. I can’t wait to try these.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Beth L
Sloppy Joes were a staple in my house growing up. They make such a great cold night meal and they come together pretty quickly. This recipe is divine.
Brianne
Holy moly! These were so good! I love the zesty flavor! My family wants me to make them again soon!
Leanne Wong
These homemade sloppy joes were so much better than the canned mix. I will make them homemade from now on!
Kay
This was delicious! I had Hickory Brown Sugar Sweet Baby Ray’s. It works great with the smoky and brown sugar taste. Served it on buns with a fresh pasta salad and baked beans and potato salad. Everyone loved it!
Beth Pierce
That meal sound perfect. So glad that everyone liked it! Thanks Kay!
Spring.fertig
I use pickle relish instead of green pepper and vinegar. I always have it on hand..
Hubert K
Have made this recipe several times now and all were very good… Except that I haven’t been able to find a good KC style BBQ sauce. The sauces sold in this neck of the woods are all very sweet – too sweet for me. Do you have a sauce recipe for us expats?
Beth Pierce
No not yet Hubert! I use Gates barbecue sauce but I am always on the lookout for different brands as well. Perhaps I will add that idea to my recipe list which is growing and growing!
Ghulam Mohyudin
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
Heidy M
I made these the other night and there were so easy and delish! My kids and I had a blast making ts recipe.
SHANIKA
This looks so amazing! I love using a Crockpot and this is right up my alley! YUM!
Chris
I love sloppy joes so much and your version looks beyond delicious!!
Jordin
YUMM! My family and I love sloppy joes, and I cant wait to try out this recipe! The best kind of comfort food.
Sandy W
I love Taco Salad made with ground beef.