This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for a Sloppy Joe Recipe that tastes like childhood but even better, you’re in the right place. This homemade version is rich, saucy, and made with real ingredients. No canned sauce here, just big flavor in a quick and cozy meal your whole crew will ask for again and again.
This is the BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe
This right here is my go-to, tried-and-true Sloppy Joe recipe! And it’s been a hit with my family for years. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together with pantry staples. Nothing fancy, just real food that tastes amazing. Whether you’re feeding your crew on a busy weeknight or whipping up a nostalgic favorite, this one’s a keeper.
You can make it plain and classic or load it up with onions and peppers—either way, it’s stress-free, delicious, and done in under 30 minutes.
What is a Sloppy Joe?
A Sloppy Joe is a loose meat sandwich made with seasoned ground beef in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. It’s served warm on a soft bun and, true to its name, it’s deliciously messy.
This classic comfort food has been a weeknight staple in kitchens for generations—and for good reason! It’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and always a family favorite. Think of it as the happy medium between a burger and a hearty meat sauce sandwich.
Homemade Sloppy Joe Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: I like to use a really lean cut, so there’s usually no need to drain. If yours is a little fattier, just spoon off the extra grease after browning or drain on paper towels.
- Diced Yellow Onion: Adds a nice savory base to the sauce. Totally optional if your crew likes things more plain.
- Diced Green Bell Pepper: A classic touch for Sloppy Joes. Use any color you like, or skip it if your family prefers a smoother sauce.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples help build layers of flavor. Even with fresh onion, a pinch of onion powder adds a little something extra.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a signature hint of sweetness to the sauce. Add more if you prefer a sweeter taste, or reduce the amount for a more savory bite.
- Tomato Sauce: This is the heart of the sauce—smooth, rich, and ties everything together.
- Ketchup: Adds that familiar sweet-tangy flavor we all love in a good Sloppy Joe.
- Yellow Mustard: Brings a little zing to balance the sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that savory, umami depth that really rounds out the flavors.
Best Buns for Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are, well… sloppy! So choosing the right bun can make all the difference. You want something soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to that saucy goodness.
- Classic Hamburger Buns: The go-to for a reason! Soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up flavor without falling apart. Toast them lightly to help keep things from getting too messy.
- Brioche Buns: A little fancier, with a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet sauce.
- Potato Buns: These are soft but have a nice bit of structure—great for a hearty sandwich that doesn’t crumble in your hands.
- Slider Buns or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for feeding a crowd or making kid-sized portions. Great for game day or party trays!
- Texas Toast or Thick Sandwich Bread: If you don’t have buns on hand, toast up some thick bread slices. It’s an old-school twist that still totally works.
- Garlic Toast: Oh yes, this is a game changer! Pile that Sloppy Joe mixture on thick, buttery garlic toast for a flavor-packed twist. It’s bold, crunchy, and so satisfying!
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
How To Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef.
Break it up with a spatula. Let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Keep cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.
During the last minute, add in the garlic and stir it all together. Drain off any extra grease if needed.
Step 3: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the brown sugar (break it up if it’s clumped), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the meat is well coated with that sweet and savory goodness.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Let the mixture simmer on low for at least 10 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor. Just stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking, and add a splash of water if it starts to thicken too much.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Spoon that saucy meat onto your favorite toasted buns or rolls and serve warm. Don’t forget the pickles on the side—they add the perfect tangy crunch!
Best Sloppy Joe Recipe Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: I stick with lean beef, so there’s usually no need to drain the grease, which makes cleanup quicker. If yours has more fat, just spoon off the excess after browning.
- Veggies or No Veggies? We love the flavor boost from diced onions and bell peppers, but if your family likes it plain (especially for the picky eaters), skip them and increase the onion powder to ½ teaspoon for extra flavor without the texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: This recipe leans slightly sweet—that’s how a good Sloppy Joe should be! But you can make it your own. Dial back the brown sugar for a more savory version or bump it up if your crew loves that sweet-and-tangy combo.
- Simmer for Flavor: If you have the time, let it simmer longer – 30 to 45 minutes really helps the sauce deepen and come together. Just stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Toast Those Buns: A lightly toasted bun helps hold all that saucy goodness and adds a little texture to the bite. Totally optional, but so worth it!
- Go Big on Meat: Want it extra meaty? Use 1.25 pounds of ground beef instead of just one pound. That’s how I usually make them for a heartier sandwich.
How To Serve a Homemade Sloppy Joe
- Toasted or Soft Buns: Whether you go for lightly toasted for a little crunch or soft and pillowy straight from the bag, a good bun makes all the difference. Brioche, potato buns, or classic hamburger buns all work beautifully.
- With Pickles on the Side: A few crunchy dill pickles cut the richness of the sauce and add that perfect tangy bite.
- Make It a Meal: Serve alongside chips, French fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad. Baked beans or mac and cheese are family favorites, too!
- Sloppy Joe Bar: Hosting a crowd? Set up a DIY Sloppy Joe bar with buns, toppings (like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or pickles), and sides so everyone can build their own.
How To Store Homemade Sloppy Joes
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Sloppy Joes store beautifully and make the easiest next-day lunch or dinner.
- Refrigerator: Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm it gently on the stove over low heat or pop it in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
- Freezer Friendly: Sloppy Joe meat freezes like a dream! Let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Use Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce
This sauce is way too good to only use one way! Here are a few fun and tasty ideas to stretch it beyond the bun:
- Over Baked Potatoes: Spoon that saucy meat right over a fluffy baked potato and top with cheese or sour cream for a cozy twist.
- Stuffed in Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with Sloppy Joe mixture, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a low-carb option.
- Tucked into Crescent Rolls or Puff Pastry: Roll the meat up in crescent dough or puff pastry and bake for Sloppy Joe pockets—fun for kids and perfect for lunchboxes!
- Sloppy Joe Nachos: Yup, it works! Layer tortilla chips with the meat sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings for a fun game-day snack.
- Over Garlic Toast: This is one of my faves—bold, saucy meat piled onto buttery garlic bread is hard to beat!
More Sloppy Joe Variations to Try
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Best Recipe for Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup diced yellow onion
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, (if you like it sweeter adjust up to 4 tablespoons)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and crumble it with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add in the diced onions and bell peppers, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the ground beef is nicely browned and no pink remains. Break the meat apart and stir as it cooks. During the last minute, stir in the minced garlic. Drain any excess grease, if needed.
- Add the brown sugar (breaking it up if needed), garlic powder, and onion powder and stir to combine.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
- Serve warm on toasted or plain hamburger buns or rolls with a side of sliced pickles.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! The flavors actually get even better as it sits. Prepare the meat mixture, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works great. Please note that the flavor will be slightly lighter. You might want to add a splash of extra Worcestershire or a pinch more seasoning
If it’s too sweet, add a dash of mustard or a splash of vinegar to balance it. If it’s too tangy, a pinch of brown sugar can mellow things out
The meat mixture can be made gluten-free. Be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and that the spices you have on hand are all gluten-free. Serve it on gluten-free buns or over baked potatoes, and you are all set.
