Homemade Sloppy Joes
Homemade sloppy joes take about the same time as opening a can of sauce, and you control the sweetness and salt. Ground beef simmers with onion, green pepper, tomato sauce, ketchup, a little brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire until the sauce turns thick enough to stay on the bun. Toasting the buns keeps them from going soggy.
By Ben Kowalski
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 20 mins
- Total Time
- 25 mins
- Servings
- 6 sandwiches
How do you make Homemade Sloppy Joes?
Cook a diced onion and green pepper in oil, add 700 g ground beef and brown it until it reaches 71°C (160°F), then drain the fat. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and chili powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until thick, and spoon onto 6 toasted burger buns.
- Total time
- 25 mins
- Calories
- 465 per serving
- Protein
- 28 g
- Yield
- 6 sandwiches
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Simmering
Ingredients
Equipment
Large skillet · Wooden spoon
Quick Directions
Soften the vegetables
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown the beef
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the beef.
Make the sauce
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Simmer until thick
Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick and clings to the beef.
Serve
Toast the cut sides of the buns in a dry pan or under the broiler (grill) until golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect homemade sloppy joes.
Soften the vegetables
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring, until soft.
Brown the beef
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the beef. Break it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned with no pink remaining and it reaches 71°C (160°F). Drain off the excess fat.
Make the sauce
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt and pepper and stir well.
Simmer until thick
Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick and clings to the beef. Taste and add more salt, sugar or mustard if needed.
Serve
Toast the cut sides of the buns in a dry pan or under the broiler (grill) until golden. Spoon a generous scoop of the beef onto each bottom bun, add pickles or coleslaw if you like, and close with the top.
Recipe Tips
- Break the beef into fine crumbles as it browns. Small pieces hold the sauce better and are easier to eat in a bun.
- If the mixture is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
- Toasted buns hold up to the sauce much longer than soft ones.
Variations
- Cheesy sloppy joes: lay a slice of cheddar on the bottom bun before adding the hot filling.
- Ground turkey sloppy joes: use ground turkey instead of beef and cook it until it reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Sloppy joe bowls: skip the buns and serve the filling over rice, baked potatoes or a green salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 465 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 41 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Fibre | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 930 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate the filling within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store buns separately.
- Freezer
- Freeze the cooked filling in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring, until hot to 74°C (165°F).
Homemade Sloppy Joes FAQs
How do you make sloppy joes from scratch?
Brown ground beef with onion and green pepper, drain the fat, then simmer it with tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and a little chili powder for 8-10 minutes, until thick. Serve on toasted buns.
How do you thicken sloppy joes?
Simmer the mixture uncovered for a few more minutes so the extra liquid cooks off. A tablespoon of tomato paste also thickens the sauce quickly without making it sweeter.
Can you freeze sloppy joe meat?
Yes. Cool the cooked filling, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove until hot to 74°C (165°F).
What do you serve with sloppy joes?
Classic sides are coleslaw, potato chips or fries, dill pickles and corn on the cob. A crisp green salad balances the sweet, tangy sauce.
How do you keep sloppy joe buns from getting soggy?
Toast the cut sides of the buns until golden, make sure the filling is thick rather than runny, and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
