Have you ever craved that classic, messy, and delicious sandwich that brings back memories of school lunches and backyard barbecues? Yep, I’m talking about this: The Best Sloppy Joes Recipe! This recipe will show you how to make the best Sloppy Joes with simple ingredients, all in under 30 minutes. So, grab a napkin (or two), and let’s dive in!
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Why Sloppy Joes?
Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and a bit nostalgic? With its sweet, tangy, and savory sauce coating the beef, these Sloppy Joes are perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a lazy weekend lunch. Do you like your Sloppy Joes extra saucy? I sure do!
How Many Servings?
This recipe makes 8 servings, depending on how generously you pile the mixture onto your buns. But honestly, who’s counting?
The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions For The Best Sloppy Joes
Ready to whip up some mouthwatering Sloppy Joes? Here’s how:
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to a large skillet, season with salt & pepper. Cook over medium heat until browned, using a meat chopper (I love these!) or a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the sandwiches from becoming greasy.
2. Add the Onions
- Add the diced onions to the skillet with the browned beef.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling the kitchen!
3. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until the ingredients are fully mixed.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onion mixture in the skillet.
- Stir everything together, then let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend into that sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe mixture.
5. Serve
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns, slider buns, or even over toast! Do you prefer a soft roll, or maybe a slightly toasted bun for that extra crunch?
Serving Ideas
There are so many ways to serve these best-ever Sloppy Joes. You can go traditional with soft hamburger buns, or mix it up by serving them on:
- Slider Buns – Perfect for parties or smaller appetites.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – For a more filling, hearty meal.
- Inside a Baked Potato – It’s like loaded potato heaven!
- Open-Faced on Toast – If you’re feeling fancy or just out of buns.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to take these Sloppy Joes to the next level? Consider adding:
- Bell Peppers – Diced and cooked with the onions.
- Diced Jalapeños – For a spicy kick.
- Shredded Cheese – Melted over the top for a cheesy twist.
- BBQ Sauce – Replace some ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Substitutions For Sloppy Joes
Need to tweak the recipe? Here are a few easy swaps:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a lighter version.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – For a more subtle tang than regular vinegar.
- Dijon Mustard – Instead of yellow mustard for a more complex flavor.
Storage and Freezing
If you have leftovers (or make a double batch), Sloppy Joes can be easily stored!
Refrigeration:
- Place the cooled Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Freezing:
- The mixture should be cooled completely before being transferred to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over medium heat.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to get a little sloppy? These Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit at your next family dinner, game day, or casual get-together. They’re easy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Now, grab a bun, scoop on that beefy goodness, and dig in. Just be sure to have some napkins handy!
Homemade Noodles with Beef & Potatoes
APPAREL FOR THE FOODIE & GRILLER
The Best Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- 1 large cast iron skillet or heavy bottom skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a large skillet season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until browned, using a meat chopper (I love these!) or a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles.Drain any excess grease.
- Add diced onion and cook until tender.
- In a small bowl combine ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, vinegar and brown sugar stir until combined. Add to ground beef and onions. (Or you can just add each ingredient directly into the beef and onions) Stir well.
- Simmer for 15 minutes and serve on your choice of buns!