Name: Sloppy Joe Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped fine; 1 medium green pepper, chopped fine; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp canola oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you have a craving for a hearty, nostalgic, and utterly delicious sandwich, this Sloppy Joe Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With its perfectly seasoned ground beef mingled with tender onions and green peppers, all coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving this up for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this classic American sandwich brings a burst of flavor and warmth with every messy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a black pan filled with cooked minced meat mixed with small pieces of green bell pepper and onions, all coated in a rich, glossy reddish-brown sauce. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the mixture, showing the thick, textured sauce that clings to the meat and vegetables. The background surface is a white marbled texture, making the dish stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sloppy Joe Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building up layers of flavor, texture, and even color that make the sandwich so irresistible.

1 lb 80/20 ground beef: The perfect ratio of fat to lean meat ensures juicy, flavorful filling without greasiness.
1 small onion, chopped fine: Adds a mild sweetness and a little crunch when sautéed to soften.
1 medium green pepper, chopped fine: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp taste and vibrant green color to balance the richness.
1 tbsp canola oil: A neutral oil used to gently sauté the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory notes with a subtle tang and umami boost.
1 tsp sugar: Just enough to counterbalance the acidity of the ketchup and add a hint of caramelized flavor.
1/2 cup ketchup: The sweet and tangy base of the sauce that ties everything together.
2 tsp yellow mustard: Adds a gentle kick and a slight sharpness to brighten the mix.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by warming the canola oil over medium-low heat in a large frying pan. Add your finely chopped onion and green pepper, letting them gently cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to release their sweetness. This slow sautéing is key to creating a rich, flavorful base for your Sloppy Joe Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Push the softened onions and peppers to the edges of the pan, crank up the heat to medium-high, and spread your ground beef evenly in the center without stirring. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes so it gets a beautiful brown crust. This develops flavor and texture that’s absolutely essential for the best Sloppy Joe Recipe.

Step 3: Season and Cook Thoroughly

After that gorgeous browning, season the meat with salt and black pepper, then flip it over. Break the beef apart with your spatula or wooden spoon, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until there’s no pink left. This step ensures every bite is perfectly cooked, juicy, and insulated by those tender veggies.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer

Lower the heat back to medium-low, then stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Let this sauce blend with the meat and veggies for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This finishing touch transforms your filling into the classic tangy and slightly sweet Sloppy Joe mix you know and love.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once everything is perfectly combined and heated through, scoop generous spoonfuls onto your favorite buns—burger buns, brioche, or potato rolls all work wonderfully. The buns soak up the saucy filling just right, making for a messy, joyful eating experience that’s worth every crumb.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with a shiny sesame seed bun on top, having many white sesame seeds scattered across the golden-brown surface. Inside, there is a thick layer of cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of green bell pepper and reddish sauce, filling the sandwich fully and spilling slightly out from the sides. The bun underneath is soft and slightly toasted with a light brown color. The sandwich is placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can turn your Sloppy Joe into a personalized masterpiece. Try topping with crisp dill pickle slices for a tangy crunch or shredded cheddar cheese for luscious creaminess. A small handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing your Sloppy Joe Recipe with classic sides like crispy French fries or kettle-cooked potato chips for some satisfying crunch. A crisp green salad or coleslaw can add a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness and keeping the meal lively and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to shake things up? Serve your Sloppy Joe filling over baked potatoes for a hearty twist or spoon it on top of toasted bread slices to make open-faced sandwiches. You can even use Sloppy Joe filling as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for nachos to transform this traditional favorite into multiple fun variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Sloppy Joe filling into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy quick meals without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors you put so much love into creating.

Freezing

To keep your Sloppy Joe Recipe on standby for busy days, freezing is a great option. Place cooled filling in a freezer-safe container or bag, label it with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for easy, ready-to-reheat comfort food.

Reheating

Reheat your Sloppy Joe filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying it out. Pair with freshly toasted buns for a meal that feels just as fresh and satisfying as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind they have a milder flavor and less fat, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a small splash of broth or oil to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.

What type of buns work best for Sloppy Joes?

Soft buns like burger buns, brioche, or potato rolls are ideal because they soak up the juicy filling well without falling apart. Toasting the buns lightly can also help them hold together and adds a lovely texture contrast.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to maintain that hearty texture. Be sure to season well and adjust cooking times, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious, satisfying Sloppy Joe experience.

How spicy is this Sloppy Joe Recipe?

This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat if you prefer your Sloppy Joes with a little kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! The filling makes a great batch cook for the week ahead. Portion it out for quick lunches or dinners, and pair with fresh buns or wraps when you’re ready to eat. Just follow proper storage tips to keep it tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Recipe is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that never fails to delight. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, quick to make, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of this classic dish for yourself.