There’s nothing more nostalgic than Sloppy Joes! These messy but oh-so-delicious sandwiches are filled with ground meat that’s sauteed with onions and peppers in a tangy sauce and are just as much fun to eat as they are to make!
While Sloppy Joes are often associated with school cafeterias and can therefore get a bad rap at times, I’m here to tell you that these are not your lunch lady’s Sloppy Joes! (Am I the only one who wants to belt out Adam Sandler’s “Lunch Lady Land”?)
These are the tangy, delicious, perfectly seasoned and easy homemade Sloppy Joes everyone loves!
Sloppy Joes come together quickly and are great for weeknights! Serve with a green vegetable like sauteed broccoli and plenty of napkins!
Recipe Ingredients
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Ground beef. Though you can use a 80/20 beef you don’t really need to since there are a lot of flavor enhancers being added. A lean ground beef (85% or 90%) works best for Sloppy Joes.
- Vinegar. This adds the tanginess Sloppy Joes are known for. I’ve found cider vinegar works best with the flavors in this dish.
- Sugar. Use brown sugar for a bit of sweetness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make it
Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.
- Dice one medium yellow onion and one large green bell pepper. Mince 5 cloves of garlic and set aside. Heat a large pan to medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the onion, and bell pepper, and saute for about 5 minutes, or until soft. (Photo #1)
- Add 1 1/2 pounds of 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high. (Photo #2)
- Saute for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is cooked through, then add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. (Photo #3)
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or until the garlic is very fragrant. (Photo #4)
- Add 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of water and mix until combined and keep at a low simmer. Taste test the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Once satisfied with the taste, turn the heat to low and continue to cook while you prepare the buns. (Photo #5)
- Heat a pan or griddle top to medium heat and add a touch of olive oil. Open 4 hamburger buns and place them cut-side-down in the pan and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Divide the beef mixture on to the 4 buns, serve, and enjoy!
Top tips
- Make ahead. The Sloppy Joe mixture will taste even better the next day making this a great make-ahead meal!
- The sauce. If you find the sauce is too dry, simply add an ounce or two of water at a time and mix to loosen it back up.
- Buns. While Sloppy Joes are traditionally served on a hamburger bun (which makes these “sloppy”), you can also serve in a hot dog bun for a slightly less sloppy experience.
More retro recipes you’ll love
If you’re looking for simple foods that are a little retro and a lot nostalgic, give these recipes a try!
- Beef Stroganoff – tangy, creamy, and delicious beef with mushrooms.
- Salisbury Steak – made with ground beef, these “steaks” are budget-friendly and delicious!
- Swedish Meatballs – hearty meatballs in a creamy gravy.
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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 85 or 90% works well
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water plus more if needed
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large pan to medium heat with the olive oil and add the onion and bell pepper. Saute until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Saute the beef until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes) then mix in the salt, chili powder, and hot red pepper flakes.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes or until very fragrant.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well and keep at a low simmer.
- Taste test the sloppy Joes and adjust salt and pepper if required. Once satisfied, turn the heat to low and move on to browning the buns
- Heat a pan or griddle top to medium heat and add a touch of olive oil. Place the buns, cut side down, in the pan and cook until browned (about 1-2 minutes). Divide the beef on to the 4 buns and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Makes 4 large or 6 moderate-sized sandwiches.
- If the sauce is too dry, simply add 1-2 ounces of water and mix again to loosen it up.
- Leftovers can be saved in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wonderful tasting Sloppy Joes…Love the spice combinations and tips on making the flavors stand out! This is my new favorite Sloppy Joe recipe I will be using! Thank you!
We’re so happy you enjoyed, Valerie!
Add some chili powder , leave out the peppers
VERY GOOD AND EASY RECIPE! THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECIPE WITH US!
So easy and absolutely delicious. Big hit at our house!
We’re so happy you enjoyed, Danielle!
Easy & delicious