The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

When you are craving Sloppy Joes do you pull out a can of sauce and mix it with ground beef instead of making a homemade sauce? Although this is an easy way to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight, I am here to tell you that when you make your own homemade version, you will never grab that can again.

Okay, that may be a bit extreme, as we all need to have some of those last minute conveniences when life gets busy. But honestly making them from scratch is so much better and healthier for you!

Not to mention that you still can get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. And if you plan ahead, you can make a double or even triple batch and freeze the meat so that you can have a quick and easy meal whenever you need one.

Main Ingredients

Ground Meat – Classic Sloppy Joes starts with a base of ground beef. Because the beef is going to be heavily coated and cooked in a flavorful sauce, just like when making Ground Beef Stroganoff, it is best to use lean ground beef.

Not only will the beef not be as greasy, you will actually get more meat once it cooks down when compared to using a higher fat ground beef. However, if you are trying to eat even healthier, or can’t tolerate red meat there are two other alternatives.

You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the beef. And if you are a vegetarian or vegan you can even use plant based crumbles.

Vegetables – Add finely diced green pepper, onion and minced garlic to add more structure to the sauce. If you like a sweeter sauce substitute diced red bell pepper instead of the green and use a sweet onion in place of a yellow or white onion.

Sloppy Joe Sauce – The homemade sauce is where all the magic happens. After testing several sauce recipes, this one has become the crowd favorite. It has the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness with the option to add a little bit of heat for those that like a little spice in their food.

Homemade Sloppy Joes Sauce Ingredients

Although the ingredient list may look a little long and intimidating, you most likely have all the ingredients that you need in your kitchen. Combine the sauce and add it to the meat and veggies and you will have the best Sloppy Joes that you have ever had!

1. Tomato Paste – Do yourself a favor and buy the tube of tomato paste. This way you won’t have to search for other ways to use the remaining paste in the can.

2. Ketchup – Use your favorite ketchup in this recipe. Although I use no-fructose corn syrup on a daily basis, for those who don’t prefer to use ketchup at all here is my No Ketchup Sloppy Joe recipe.

3. Water – Although you could use chicken stock to help thin out the sauce, I find it much easier to use water.

4. Brown Sugar – The preferred level of sweetness varies from person to person. However, I have found that a little brown sugar helps to cut the tangy flavors of the other ingredients perfectly without being too sweet.

5. Yellow Mustard – Standard yellow mustard works best in this Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe. I tried Dijon mustard, however I much prefer standard prepared yellow mustard.

6. Chili Powder – Chili powder is used to provide that classic smoky flavor in the sauce. Just be sure to test your chili powder for heat level, as each brand can vary significantly.

7. Worcestershire Sauce – It is that one ingredient that just works in this recipe. You can’t really taste it, but it compliments the other flavors in the sauce.

8. Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Be sure to taste the sauce and season to taste.

Optional Sauce Ingredients

Although the sauce is delicious as written, some of you have asked how to increase the spice level in homemade Sloppy Joes. This can easily be done with the addition of crushed red pepper flakes and/or hot sauce.

Add a little at a time and then adjust the flavor accordingly. Just be aware that if you will be making these ahead of time or storing the sauce in the freezer for later use, the heat level will increase as it stores.

How to Serve Sloppy Joes

Between A Bun – The classic way to serve the meat is between a bun. Although it is best to toast the bun so it doesn’t get too soggy.

As a Condiment – Add some meat sauce in your grilled cheese sandwich, on top of a classic cheeseburger, or down the center of your hot dog.

Loaded Fries or Nachos – Spoon some over crispy waffle fries or over tortilla chips and cheese.

Sloppy Joe Meatball Casserole – Use the meat sauce as the base of a casserole that is topped with tater tots.

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bombs – One of my favorite game day snacks!

Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole – Make a filling meal with a little pasta and cheese.

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole – Skip the pasta and add a biscuit topping to this family friendly casserole dish.

Storing and Freezing Recommendations

Store leftover meat in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze the meat in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. I prefer to freeze the meat in quart or gallon size freezer bags so that they can lay flat and easily be stacked in the freezer. Just be sure to label the contents before storing.

Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1⁄3 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1⁄2 large sweet or yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2⁄3 cup ketchup
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 1⁄2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 3⁄4 tsp chili powder
• 1⁄2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 red pepper flakes (optional)
• dash of hot sauce (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add ground beef and cook, breaking the meat apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain and set aside.

Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the same skillet and cook 3-4 minutes or until softened. 

Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds – 1 minute, just until fragrant. 

Place the ground beef back into the skillet and stir in the tomato paste. 

Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.

Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. 

Remove the mixture from the heat and serve.

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