Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe: Ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, and spices. Quick, easy, and packed with comforting flavor!
Do you ever taste something and get hit with a wave of nostalgia? For me, that’s Sloppy Joes. They’re like the culinary version of a cozy sweater—warm, familiar, and just a little messy. Growing up, Sloppy Joes were the ultimate weeknight dinner. My mom would whip them up while keeping one eye on us kids, who were probably wreaking havoc somewhere.
Now, I make them for my own family, and it feels like coming full circle. Except, I’ve ditched the canned stuff. Don’t get me wrong, it has its place, but once I realized how easy it is to make Sloppy Joes from scratch? Game changer. Plus, you can tweak the flavors—add a little spice, sweeten it up, whatever you’re into. Every time I make these, it’s like a tiny celebration of how food can be simple yet so satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Original Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe?
Why should you make this Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe? Let me give you the scoop:
- Quick Comfort Food: It’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Customizable Flavor: Sweet, tangy, spicy—you’re in control here.
- Made from Scratch: No cans, no mystery ingredients—just fresh, simple flavors.
- Family Approved: It’s kid-friendly and adult-approved, so everyone’s happy.
- A Nod to Nostalgia: Sloppy Joes are fun, slightly messy, and guaranteed to make dinner feel a little more special.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is all about the basics done right. Let’s talk about why these ingredients work:
- Ground Beef: The heart of a great Sloppy Joe. I prefer lean beef to keep it flavorful without being greasy.
- Yellow Onion: Adds that sweet, savory backbone to the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Ketchup: These two create the perfect tangy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances out the acidity and makes everything sing.
- Chili Powder & Hot Sauce: These add a little heat and depth. Adjust to your spice level—I won’t judge!
- Hamburger Buns: Soft, fluffy buns are essential for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
How To Make Original Homemade Sloppy Joe?
Making this Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Heat two tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it’s soft and just starting to turn golden—about five minutes. The smell alone will make you want to dive in.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic and chili powder. Cook it for about a minute, just long enough to wake up those flavors. This step is small but mighty.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown completely—this should take about seven minutes. Once it’s cooked through, you’re well on your way to Sloppy Joe heaven.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and water. Mix it all together, and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. The sauce will thicken up beautifully and coat the beef in all its tangy glory.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Here’s your moment to make it your own. Want more spice? Add a splash of hot sauce. Prefer it sweeter? A little extra brown sugar does the trick. Taste, tweak, and make it yours.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Grab your buns (toasted if you’re feeling fancy) and scoop a generous portion of the meat mixture onto the bottom half. If you’re feeling indulgent, top it with a slice of cheese. Add the top bun, and voilà—dinner is served!
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigerator: Store the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
- Freezer: Let the meat cool completely, then freeze it in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
- Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots would be great additions.
- Spice It Up: Use chipotle powder or add a smoky hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweeten the Deal: A splash of BBQ sauce or a bit of honey can add a unique twist.
What to Serve with Original Homemade Sloppy Joe?
Sloppy Joes are pretty perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here’s what I’d suggest:
- French Fries or Tater Tots : Crispy and perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch balances out the saucy richness.
- Pickles: A few on the side add a nice zing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! The meat mixture actually tastes even better the next day. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Can I use slider buns instead of regular ones?
Absolutely. Sliders are a fun option, especially for parties or smaller portions.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the buns helps them hold up better against the saucy filling.
So, are you ready to dive into this Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe? It’s quick, delicious, and just messy enough to make dinner a little more fun. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. And hey, if you’ve got any fun twists or serving ideas, I’d love to hear about them—drop me a comment below!
<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!
Original Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 4 hamburger or 8 slider buns
Instructions
- Heat up two tablespoons of oil in a skillet, over medium heat.
- Cook the onion until it becomes soft.
- Add the garlic and chili powder stirring until you can smell the aroma.
- Add the ground beef breaking it apart as it browns.
- Season with salt, black pepper, brown sugar, ketchup and tomato sauce.
- Pour in some water. Let it gently simmer for around 8 to 10 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicier feel free to add chili powder or hot pepper sauce.
- Using an ice cream scoop place the mixture onto the bottom part of a bun.
- As an indulgence, you can top it off with some cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Finally, complete the sandwich by adding the top bun and enjoy every bite!
Notes
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!
