Why You’ll Love Homemade Sloppy Joes!

When you bite into a homemade Sloppy Joe, you’re treated to a burst of flavors that far surpasses any store-bought version. By crafting our own sauce, we can control the sweetness and avoid artificial additives. The tender meat mixed with a rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to a freshly toasted bun, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, you can whip this up in no time at all—just 35 minutes from start to finish!

What is a Sloppy Joe?

A Sloppy Joe is a quintessential American sandwich that stars a mixture of ground meat—often beef—cooked up in a savory tomato-based sauce, seasoned to perfection. Its origins can be traced back to the 1930s, and over the decades, it has become a beloved comfort food, ideal for gatherings or quick meals at home. Typically served on hamburger buns, it’s often paired with sides like coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Why Do They Call It Sloppy Joe?

The name “Sloppy Joe” perfectly encapsulates the nature of the sandwich. With a filling that typically oozes out from the sides, it’s delightfully messy! This chaotic yet delicious presentation contributes to the sandwich’s charm, making it a fun and satisfying choice for any meal.

Sloppy Joe Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef is our top choice, but turkey, bison, or even veggie meat works beautifully!
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics give a lovely depth of flavor to the mix.
• Green bell pepper and jalapeño: Add a fresh and crunchy texture; jalapeño is perfect if you like a bit of heat!
• Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the dish’s savory essence.
• Tomato purée and tomato paste: These form the rich base of our sauce.
• Dijon mustard: For that delightful tang!
• Maple syrup: Or brown sugar, providing a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami goodness!
• Molasses: This sweetener deepens the flavor, imparting a subtle smokiness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce while balancing the richness.
• Burger buns: Brioche buns are a fantastic option for their slight sweetness, but any sturdy bun will do!
• Optional toppings: Get creative—consider pickles, cheeses, caramelized onions, avocado, and more!

Best Buns for Sloppy Joes

The bun is just as important as the filling when it comes to a delightful Sloppy Joe experience. Here are some of the top options:

• Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet—they soak up the sauce wonderfully!
• Sourdough Buns: A soft option you can easily whip at home, going great with the savory mix.
• Classic Hamburger Buns: A reliable choice that withstands all the sauciness!
• Pretzel Buns: For a unique twist that adds chewiness and flavor.
• Ciabatta Rolls: These add a rustic flair with their crusty outside and airy inside.
• Going lower carb? Consider serving the filling over roasted spaghetti squash!

And don’t forget—toast your bun for an extra layer of flavor!

How to Make Sloppy Joes

1. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in diced onion, green pepper, garlic, and jalapeño, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until tender.
2. Add ground beef and spices: Add your choice of ground meat along with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and break up the meat, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until browned.
3. Prepare the Sloppy Joe sauce: In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well! Trust us, this homemade sauce is far superior to canned versions!
4. Combine the sauce with the meat: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture and stir everything together. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness to your taste.
5. Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over your toasted bun and add any desired toppings!

How to Thicken Sloppy Joes

If your mixture is a bit saucy for your liking, simmering uncovered for a longer time will help thicken it. If it’s still not thick enough, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, add the slurry to the mix, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Sloppy Joe Toppings

• Pickles: Homemade fermented pickles add a delightful crunch!
• Cheese: Grated pepper jack or sharp cheddar can take your sandwich to the next level!
• Onions: Try caramelized or pickled onions for an extra punch of flavor.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw helps cut through the richness of the meat.
• Peppers: Roasted bell peppers for sweetness or spicy hatch chilies for an added kick.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole elevate the sandwich immensely!

How to Store Leftover Homemade Sloppy Joes

Leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the filling for up to three months; just thaw overnight before reheating. This makes for an excellent freezer-friendly meal!

What to Serve with Sloppy Joes

For sides, consider pairing your Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato Fries, classic potato chips, or a refreshing coleslaw. You could also get creative and use the meat as a topping for nachos, hot dogs, or even baked potatoes!