Ground beef, tomato sauce, ketchup, green pepper, and a handful of pantry spices come together in this quick and easy Copycat Manwich Recipe!
Let me take you back. It was one of those evenings—long day, kids melting down, and me wondering why dinner wasn’t magically ready. You know the kind, right? I reached for the trusty can of Manwich because, honestly, it’s a weeknight lifesaver. Except… guess what? No can. None. Zilch.
Cue me staring at the pantry like it might sprout a Sloppy Joe fairy.
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t about to load everyone into the car for one can of sauce. So I did what any tired, hungry mom would do… I winged it. I grabbed what I had on hand and threw it all in a skillet. And folks, let me tell you, this homemade Manwich recipe turned out better than the canned stuff. My husband even asked, “Wait, this isn’t the regular Manwich?” And I swear he had that impressed look in his eyes. You know the one.
Now, this Copycat Manwich Recipe is a regular in our dinner rotation. And I’ll be honest—I haven’t bought the can since. Shh. Don’t tell Manwich.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Manwich Recipe?
Okay, let’s be real. We all love a recipe that’s easy, tasty, and doesn’t make you wash 17 pans afterward. This one checks all those boxes. Plus:
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Yep. Less time than it takes to argue over what’s for dinner.
- Uses simple pantry staples. No trips to the store required (unless you’re out of ketchup, which… yikes).
- Tastes WAY better than store-bought. Fresher, tangier, and just the right balance of sweet and savory.
- Kid-approved. My picky eaters inhaled these sloppy joes like they were fries.
- You can make it YOUR way. Want it spicier? Sweeter? Extra chunky? Do your thing.
Ingredient Notes:
You probably have everything you need already! Here’s the lowdown on what makes this Copycat Manwich Recipe shine.
Ground Beef
Classic, right? I usually go for lean ground beef (85/15), but if you’ve got turkey or even plant-based crumbles, use ‘em. This recipe doesn’t judge.
Tomato Sauce + Ketchup
These two give you that rich tomato base and a little sweetness. Ketchup is key for the signature Manwich vibe.
Dried Onion Flakes
No chopping necessary, and they add great flavor. But hey, if you’ve got a fresh onion and the energy to chop it? Go for it.
Green Pepper
A little crunch, a little color. Red or yellow peppers work too if that’s what’s lurking in the crisper.
Garlic & Celery Seed
Don’t skip these. They add a little extra oomph that makes this taste homemade.
Chili Powder + Mustard
Chili powder brings subtle warmth, and the mustard gives a tangy pop. I use yellow mustard, but if you’re feeling fancy? Dijon works.
Salt
Because everything needs a little salt. Taste as you go, okay?
How To Make Copycat Manwich?
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Get your skillet hot over medium heat. Add that ground beef and let it sizzle. Break it up as it cooks—no big chunks unless you’re into that. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once it’s browned and crumbly, drain off the fat. Or don’t. I won’t tell.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 2: Add the Magic
Now the fun part! Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, dried onions, green pepper, garlic, celery seed, chili powder, and mustard. Give it all a good mix, then bring it to a nice simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Taste
Let it hang out on low for about 10 minutes. Stir now and then. Taste it—does it need more ketchup? A pinch of sugar? Spice? Trust your tastebuds.
Step 4: Load Up Those Buns
Grab some burger buns, slider rolls, heck, I’ve even served it over baked potatoes. Load ‘em up with the sloppy goodness. I like mine with a slice of cheddar and pickles. Messy? Absolutely. Worth it? Every time.
Storage Options:
I always hope there are leftovers because this reheats like a dream.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze in batches for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you need a quick dinner win.
Pro tip? Make a double batch. You’ll thank yourself later.
Variations and Substitutions:
This homemade Manwich recipe is flexible! Here’s how you can tweak it:
- Go lean: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Go meatless: Lentils or veggie crumbles work beautifully.
- Kick up the heat: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
- Make it sweeter: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Veg it up: Shredded zucchini or carrots blend in seamlessly. Sneaky veggies for the win!
What to Serve with Copycat Manwich?
You’re making Sloppy Joes! Keep it simple and fun.
- Chips: Crunchy kettle chips are a must in our house.
- Coleslaw: Either on the side or piled on top.
- Pickles: Sweet or dill, don’t skip ‘em.
- Mac and cheese: Ultimate comfort food combo.
- Corn on the cob: If it’s grill season, you know it’s happening.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It gets better the longer it sits. Make it in the morning, and dinner’s ready in a flash.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yep! It freezes like a champ. Just cool it first, then pack it up.
Do I need fancy buns?
Nah. Whatever’s in the bread box works. I’ve even used hot dog buns in a pinch. (No judgment!)
So, what do you say? Ready to ditch the can and make your own Copycat Manwich Recipe? I promise, once you do, there’s no going back. Give it a shot and let me know—did you add extra spice? Pile it high with pickles? I love hearing how you make it your own.
Drop me a comment, or shoot me an email. And hey, if you have leftovers, I’ll be right over.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Copycat Manwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- Toasted hamburger buns for serving (or gluten-free buns if preferred)
Instructions
Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add the Sauce Ingredients:
- To the cooked ground beef, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, dried onion flakes, chopped green pepper, salt, minced garlic, celery seed, chili powder, and mustard. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Mixture:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the prepared Manwich mixture on toasted hamburger buns, or gluten-free buns if preferred. Garnish with your choice of condiments, such as cheese slices, pickles, or additional mustard.
Notes
- Use gluten-free buns in place of traditional hamburger buns. There are many high-quality gluten-free bun options available at most supermarkets.
- Verify the ketchup and mustard are gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives or thickeners with gluten. Opt for brands clearly labeled gluten-free.
- Check the tomato sauce for any added starches or flavorings that may contain gluten. A simple, plain tomato sauce with minimal ingredients is recommended.
- Optional: If substituting ground turkey or plant-based protein, confirm those products are gluten-free as well.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
