Sloppy Joes have been a beloved comfort food for generations, and this easy homemade Sloppy Joes recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare! Made with real ingredients, this dish balances flavors and textures beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a nostalgic favorite, these messy meat sandwiches are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into this classic American dish!
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joes
This Sloppy Joes recipe is not only quick to make but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for busy weeknights with only 20 minutes of prep and cook time.
- Great for families, as everyone can customize their own with the best Sloppy Joe toppings.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Versatile enough to accommodate different diets with options like vegetarian Sloppy Joes.
- Can be transformed into slow cooker Sloppy Joes for a hands-off approach.
- A classic Sloppy Joe that evokes nostalgia and comfort.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 toasted buns (for serving)
How to Make Sloppy Joes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and bell pepper; breaking up the meat into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Drain off grease.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste until thoroughly combined.
- Step 4: Add in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Gently simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve on toasted buns and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
Keep these in mind:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and calories.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with lentils or black beans for delicious vegetarian Sloppy Joes.
- Don’t skip the simmering step; it helps meld all the flavors beautifully. This recipe uses the stovetop method for a quick meal.
Best Ways to Serve Sloppy Joes
These Sloppy Joes can be served in several delightful ways:
- Top with shredded cheese or pickles for added flavor and texture.
- Serve alongside crispy fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Try them on different types of buns like brioche or whole grain for a twist.
How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joes
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. This quick Sloppy Joe meal is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joes
What is a Sloppy Joe sandwich?
A Sloppy Joe sandwich is a loose meat sandwich made with ground beef or other proteins, cooked in a flavorful sauce, and served on a bun. It’s known for its messy, saucy nature, making it a favorite comfort food.
Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Sloppy Joes ahead of time! Prepare the meat mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving to enjoy a quick meal any day of the week.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sloppy Joes?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you drain excess grease after cooking the meat, and don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the flavors to meld will elevate your Sloppy Joe recipe!
Variations of Sloppy Joes You Can Try
There are several tasty variations to explore:
- Slow cooker Sloppy Joes: Perfect for a hands-off meal.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Use lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Grilled Cheese Patty Melts or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. If you’re looking for dessert, try our Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies.
For more information on the history of Sloppy Joes, you can visit History.com.
Print
Sloppy Joes: 10-Minute Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This is the best homemade sloppy Joes recipe, made with real ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 1/2 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 toasted buns (for serving)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and bell pepper; breaking up the meat into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Drain off grease.
- Stir in tomato paste until thoroughly combined.
- Add in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Gently simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and serve on toasted buns and enjoy!
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg