There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into a warm, messy Sloppy Joe sandwich. This American classic combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a deliciously messy package that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table. My homemade version skips the canned sauce and instead creates a rich, flavorful mixture that coats every bit of ground beef perfectly.
Ready in just 45 minutes, these Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe Sandwiches are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. The combination of ground beef simmered in a slightly sweet tomato sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that both kids and adults will love.
Why You’ll Love This
- Made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients – no canned sauce needed!
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- Easily customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences
- Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Kid-friendly while still being flavorful enough for adults
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (no salt added recommended)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (Ray’s original no sugar added recommended)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon mustard, depending on preference (Dijon recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (use less if using regular sodium tomato sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, add tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Whisk until evenly combined.
- Use a box grater to shred the cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain away excess fat.
- Return meat to the pan, add the seasoning mixture and sauce, and stir until the meat is evenly coated with sauce.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on buns with any desired additional toppings.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef for a lighter option.
- Add 1/2 cup of grated carrots along with the onions and peppers for hidden vegetables and natural sweetness.
- The mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days – it actually tastes even better the next day!
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Try using brioche buns for a slightly sweeter, richer sandwich experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Sloppy Joe sandwiches pair perfectly with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, or a simple coleslaw. For a healthier option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget the napkins – these sandwiches live up to their name!
For a fun twist, set up a Sloppy Joe bar with different toppings like sliced cheese, pickles, jalapeños, or crispy fried onions so everyone can customize their own sandwich.
Notes
- Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The mixture can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For the perfect consistency, the mixture should be thick enough to mound on a spoon but still be saucy.
- Toasting the buns helps prevent them from getting soggy too quickly.
FAQs
Can I make Sloppy Joes in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
How do I prevent my Sloppy Joe sandwiches from being too runny?
Make sure to simmer the mixture until it thickens appropriately. If it’s still too runny, you can add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Sloppy Joe mixture?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the right consistency.
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