This is my fourth Sloppy Joe recipe, they’re truly one of my favorite quick and simple meals. There’s just something so nostalgic about them, Sloppy Joes are a timeless dish that’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.

I found this recipe on The Kitchn website and immediately wanted to try making it. This recipe does have a ton of ingredients, and it’s really better if you let it simmer longer, more like 30-45 minutes. What I really liked about this recipe is how close the taste was to Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce. That takes me back to my childhood, a Manwich night was always a good night.

I still use Manwich from time to time but how great is it to have a recipe that tastes really similar without all the preservatives! This meal goes great with potato chips and a good dip like Caramelized Onion Dip or Homemade French Onion Dip.

Sloppy Joes are more than just a sandwich—they’re a piece of comfort food history. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and full of flavor, they deserve a spot on your dinner rotation. So next time you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, fun, and downright delicious, whip up a batch of Sloppy Joes and embrace the mess!

Have a favorite Sloppy Joe recipe or twist? Share it in the comments below!

What are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a sandwich made from ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, typically seasoned with onions, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes mustard or vinegar for a bit of tang. This rich, saucy filling is served on soft buns, making every bite flavorful and, of course, a little bit “sloppy.”

While the exact origin of Sloppy Joes is debated, many believe the dish originated in the 1930s in the United States as an affordable, hearty meal during the Great Depression. Over the decades, Sloppy Joes have become a staple in school cafeterias, family dinners, and even summer barbecues.

Ingredients

• Yellow onion
• Green pepper
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Ground beef
• Kosher salt, divided
• Ground black pepper
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar

How to make Sloppy Joes

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.

Add 1 pound lean beef and season with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes (it might not be cooked all the way through).

Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a medium bowl.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Cook until the vegetables are tender but not browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon paprika.

Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Return the beef and any juices to the skillet.

Add 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar.

Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Cook until thick and saucy, 30 to 45 minutes.

Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.

Divide the Sloppy Joes between 4 to 6 hamburger buns.

Tools For This Recipe

• GreenPan Frying Pan–GreenPan has the best frying pans, healthy nonstick and oven safe.
• Bamboo Spatula– Bamboo utensils help keep my GreenPan scratch free.
• Pyrex glass mixing bowl – The Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl is handy to store in the fridge and freezer when you need to freeze contents or keep them fresh.