Sloppy Joes

Saucy and savory homemade Sloppy Joes are a delicious meat loaded sandwich. They are quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd!

We love Sloppy Joes, and our homemade version just has more flavor! I like to pair these with Baked Zucchini Chips or Classic Coleslaw, and in only 30 minutes you can serve a crowd. This is a perfect weeknight meal!

Homemade Sloppy Joes oh challah buns

Homemade Sloppy Joes

“Sloppy Joes. Sloppy, Sloppy Joes…” I can’t hear or see Sloppy Joes without singing Adam Sandler’s song from his SNL skit. The good thing is that these ain’t no lunch lady’s sandwich. These are amazingly good and so easy to throw together. The name of them is quite fitting though. Very messy. Be sure to have a napkin close by.

We know that you can buy the meat for Sloppy Joes at the store but know that the homemade recipe (which is what we are sharing with you today) is so much better. We think you’ll agree, even if it takes a little bit more time. 😉

Now, let’s talk buns. You want a soft bun because it helps make things a little less sloppy. Regular hamburger buns work great but I wouldn’t recommend pretzel buns. The buns pictured in this post are Challah buns. So light and soft and have that beautiful shiny golden crust. Your local grocery store bakery is the place to look.

Sloppy Joes make one tasty meal! We hope you love them as much as we do. They really are so messy and SO good!

Meat in a tomato base sauce in a skillet

How to make Sloppy Joes

GROUND BEEF. Place ground beef, onions, pepper, garlic, and seasoned salt in a large pot over medium high heat.

SAUCE. Cook and break up meat until it is browned. Drain off fat and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer, turn to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until meat is tender and sauce has thickened.

ENJOY! Serve on a buns.

Tips, Variations + SToring Info

This is a fairly quick and easy dish to make however, if you wish to toss everything in a crock pot so you can come home to a warm finished meal you certainly can. Brown the meat as directed in step 1. Then, add all the ingredients to the crock pot. Finally, cook on LOW heat for 4-6 hours, or HIGH heat for 2-3 hours. 

Toasting the buns really brings this dish to the next level. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet. Place the buns, cut side down, in the skillet and toast until slightly golden. Allow the buns to cool, toasted side up. Another way to toast the buns is to butter each side then add a bit of Garlic Salt. Broil them on Low heat until golden.

Variations:

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead
  • Add in diced bell peppers
  • Sneak in some veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini
  • Turn up the heat with jalapenos or red chili flakes

STORE leftover meat in an air-tight container and place in the fridge for up to 5 days. FREEZE this mixture and place in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months .

Sloppy Joe served on a challah bun on a white plate

For more tasty Sandwiches:

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

5 from 11 votes
Saucy and savory Homemade Sloppy Joes are delicious meat-loaded sandwiches. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 397 kcal
Author Lil' Luna

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground round
  • 3/4 cup onion, diced
  • 3/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 8 Buns

Instructions
 

  • Place ground beef, onions, pepper, garlic, and seasoned salt in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and break up meat until it is browned. Drain off the fat and add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a simmer, turn to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve on buns.

Video

Like this recipe?

Pin it now to remember it later! Share it with your Facebook friends (you know they’ll love it). Or tweet it to the world. Maybe even email it to your favorite cousin!

Related Posts

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are like a crispy burrito, stuffed with chicken + cheese. Everyone will love this simple restaurant-style recipe! Crispy, Baked Chicken Chimichangas are simple to make and are…

25 minutes

4.99 from 85 votes

Artichoke Pizza

Artichoke pizza is so cheesy and delicious, with a unique combination of flavors. It’s perfect for your next pizza night! Does your family love pizza as much as mine does?…

21 minutes

5 from 7 votes

Sausage Soup

Hearty and delicious Italian Sausage Soup is filled with veggies. This simple stovetop recipe is great to enjoy all year long! If you love savory sausage soup, you’ll love our…

45 minutes

5 from 11 votes

Chorizo Recipe

Follow these simple steps to marinate and cook up your own fresh Chorizo from home! It takes some time, but it’s worth it! Make your own fresh Mexican chorizo to…

2 days 25 minutes

About Melanie

Melanie is the cook and photographer behind the blog Garnish & Glaze. When she’s not playing princesses with her two little girls, she’s experimenting in the kitchen. She takes simple ingredients and creates everything from healthy dinners to indulgent desserts.

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    I usually make these once every two months. It is my kids favorite comfort food.
    Love the recipe.

  2. 5 stars
    This is a really GOOD recipe. In past years with limited funds, I used 1 lb ground beef or less and added 1 c. onions, 1 c. chopped celery, and also chopped green pepper if I had it (but I usually didn’t have it), and similar spices. It turned out pretty well, too.

      1. 5 stars
        One more comment. My favorite Independence Day has sloppy joes, potato salad, baked beans and orange fluff salad (cottage cheese, jello, cool whip, pineapple and mandarine oranges). Just about everything can be made the day before, so we can just play and celebrate.

  3. 5 stars
    Sloppy joes were a favorite at school. Now mY grand daughter request sloppy joes. So happy to oblidge her.

  4. 5 stars
    Sloppy Joes is another family favorite! The flavors in this recipe are so delicious! Thanks for sharing!

  5. 5 stars
    I left oUt the green peppers and really liked how the Rest of the recipe came TOGETHER. Thanks for sharing.

  6. 5 stars
    i forget to make Sloppy JOes but when i was searching your blog i ran across them. They are on the menu for this week. Can’t wait to try them!! They look great.

  7. 5 stars
    These are hands down the best sloppy joes I have ever had. So easy and it tastes so much better than out of a can. The whole family loves them.