Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe

Delight your taste buds with a classic comfort food favorite – Homemade Sloppy Joes. This easy-to-make recipe brings together savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfect for filling up buns and satisfying your cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Homemade Sloppy Joes allows you to enjoy a nostalgic and delicious meal that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by the whole family. With simple ingredients and a mouthwatering sauce, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅓ – ½ cup water
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 brioche or hamburger buns
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and pepper, cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, reduce heat to low and add garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Stir in cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, ketchup, chili powder, and water.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then spoon onto buns.
How to Serve Homemade Sloppy Joes
Serve the delicious Sloppy Joes hot on brioche or hamburger buns for a messy and satisfying meal. Add a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or pickles for a complete and tasty experience.
How to Store Homemade Sloppy Joes
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Experiment with different types of barbecue sauces to change up the flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on how thick or saucy you prefer your Sloppy Joes.
- For a healthier version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Variation
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a meatless Sloppy Joe option. Add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
- Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Yes, the flavors develop even more if you make them a day in advance and reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture? Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of brioche buns? Regular hamburger buns, ciabatta bread, or even lettuce wraps can be used as alternatives for serving.