Sloppy Joes

What are Sloppy Joes Sandwiches?

These popular sandwiches are an classic American staple and are budget friendly, flavorful and delicious. They’re a ground meat filling flavored with a juicy, wet, slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce. Kids love these and adults love them even more because it’s quite easy to make. The origin stories are varied with different interpretations on how this popular meat mix originated. Here’s a great article about the history of sloppy joes. What we know for sure is that they are delicious and super simple to make. We’re excited that you’re here to explore our recipe.

Easy Stove Top Sloppy Joe Recipe

Why is our homemade sloppy joe recipe so easy and delicious? It’s because we add a good amount of spices in it. Also, it’s made in a pot on the stove top. Within 25 minutes, you can have a hot pot of sloppy joe meat mix to eat. Our version isn’t too sweet and we like it that way so we can still taste the flavors. But if you like your sloppy joes a little on the sweet side, you can always add about a Tablespoon of brown sugar.

Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Version

We have a popular sloppy joes recipe version for the Instant pot or pressure cooker. It’s quick, simple and tastes just as great. So if you’re a pressure cooker fan or need to walk away from the stove, then try our Instant Pot Sloppy Joe Recipe Here.

Video: How to Make the Best Sloppy Joe Recipe

Best Ground Beef?

You can use whatever ground beef that you like. Personally we prefer a leaner ground beef, something around 85%-90% lean. If you’re using a leaner meat, you’ll have less fat floating on top. Less need to skim or drain excess fat. Don’t worry about the flavor if you have less fat because our spices and seasonings make up for that. If you like a higher fat content meat, then that’s fine too.

• Ground chuck steak: some folks have asked about using ground chuck steak. Sure you can use that type of eat as well. Your sloppy joes meat mixture will be more coarse and chunky!
• What ever ground beef you use, the chunks of meat depends on how much you stir and mix it while cooking. If you like chunkier bites of beef, then don’t stir it too much.
• We actually prefer larger chunks of meat in our sloppy joes, so we don’t break down the meat too mix.

Tips on Making Easy 25 minute Sloppy Joes

• Browning the onions is helpful to add more flavor. We like cooking the onions to be a little more caramelized and brown.
• Add extra fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. The garlic powder adds so much flavor quickly.
• There should be a nice balance of sweetness to the meat mix. We like to use a combination of ketchup and tomato sauce. That way, it’s not too sweet. But if you like your meat version sweeter, just increase the ketchup to replace the amount of tomato sauce or add a little brown sugar.
• Let the meat brown before adding the sauces and spices. Don’t rush cooking the meat. If it browns a bit, there will be more flavor to the beef. Once it’s browned, then add the sauces and spices.
• You can use a different combination of sauces and spice combinations. You can use vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of yellow mustard. Add some soy sauce instead of worcestershire. Even some onion powder adds a wonderful savory flavor. Smoked paprika & red pepper flakes are great adds for a punch of flavor.
• If you want to use crushed or minced garlic cloves instead of the garlic powder, add them in when you cook the onions.
• If you want a lighter meat option, use ground turkey or ground chicken.
• For extra veggies, add a chopped green bell pepper.
• Toast the hamburger buns. It makes each bite more crispy and amazing.
• All sloppy joe recipe details are in the recipe box below.

How to serve sloppy joe meat mix instead of sandwiches?

Serving the meat in sandwiches is always the most popular ways of serving sloppy joes. It’s like making sloppy joe hamburgers. But it’s not the only option. If you want sloppy joes to be on your regular rotation, here’s some delicious ideas to eat it beyond the bun.

• Sloppy joe pasta or spaghetti is fantastic. Or you can use any type of pasta that your family loves.
• Other than the traditional burger bun or soft bun, make a grilled cheese out of this. A spoonful of the meat inside a grilled cheese sandwich goes a long way.
• Nachos! Sloppy joe nachos are amazing.
• Oooh, love chili dogs? Instead of topping with chili, top it with the sloppy joe meat mix. An air fryer hot dog with the sloppy joe meat mix is amazing.
• Add a big spoonful over french fries or as a topping over a baked potato
• Quesadillas are delicious with the sloppy joe mix. Cheesy, sloppy, flavorful and so good!
• Serve the sandwich with a side of potato chips.
• Sloppy joe over rice is divine. Such a quick, easy and delicious dish.
• Add the sloppy joe to a mac and cheese is incredible.

How to Store Leftovers?

Just store them in airtight containers or bags in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, try to thaw them in the fridge the day ahead. Or for a quick from frozen re-heating method, just warm it in the microwave for a few minutes.

More Easy Recipes:

• Use homemade spices to make this easy dried french onion dip
• Thai iced tea that tastes just like the restaurants!
• Healthy brown fried rice with broccoli and lots of vegetables