Sloppy joes
Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food featuring ground beef simmered with onion, garlic, chili powder, tomato sauce, and brown sugar for a savory yet slightly sweet filling. This simple recipe provides a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
2 garlic cloves
20 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Made with ground beef cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, these sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults. This recipe guides you through creating delicious Sloppy Joes that everyone will love.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chili powder over the browned beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Stir to mix everything together.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors can meld together.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, your Sloppy Joe mixture is ready to be served.
- Spoon the mixture onto your favorite buns or rolls and serve hot.
There you have it—delicious, homemade Sloppy Joes that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Simple to make and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for any quick meal. Pair them with crispy French fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Sloppy joes FAQ:
Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ground beef is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is no longer pink. Make sure to break it apart and check for any pink spots.
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for the ground beef. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the substitute used.
Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture in advance. Cook it, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Reheat before serving.
A large skillet or frying pan (about 12 inches) works best for making Sloppy Joes, as it provides enough space for browning the beef and simmering the sauce without overcrowding.
Cooking Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onion and garlic elevate the flavors of your Sloppy Joes. Make sure to finely chop them for a smoother texture.
- Don't Skimp on the Browning: Allow the ground beef to brown properly for an extra layer of flavor. This step is crucial for developing the rich taste of the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar and chili powder to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Sloppy Joe mixture immediately on toasted buns. This helps keep the buns from getting overly soggy.
Nutrition Facts
6 ServingsCalories 260kcal
Protein 16g
Carbohydrates 4.99g
Fiber 1.11g
Sugar 3.27g
Fat 22g
More recipes
Vegan fluffy pancakes
Enjoy fluffy vegan pancakes perfect for breakfast with any toppings!
20 Dec 2025Crock pot spicy peanut butter chicken with jalapeno, red pepper and lemon
Easy, spicy peanut butter chicken cooked in a crock pot.
02 Jan 2026Beef stew with fennel, red pepper and bacon
Hearty beef stew with fennel, red pepper, and bacon.
11 Dec 2025Fish with roast capsicum and almond relish
Delicious fish topped with roasted capsicum and almond relish.
24 Nov 2025Cupcakes with chocolate buttercream icing
Delicious cupcakes topped with rich chocolate buttercream.
14 Feb 2026Pork chops with stewed tomatoes and capers
Savory rosemary pork chops baked with stewed tomatoes and capers.
28 Dec 2025Garlic-herb roasted salmon with brussels sprouts and white wine
Roasted salmon with garlic, Brussels sprouts, and white wine.
11 Feb 2026