Homemade Sloppy Joes
Classic homemade sloppy joes with lean ground beef in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce, piled onto toasted buns. Better than the can in 25 minutes.
20% of it needs you at the counter
- Hands-on
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 20 min
- Serves
- 4
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 29 g
- Per serving
- $2.82
Why this recipe works
Homemade sloppy joes take barely longer than the canned sauce and taste far fresher. Toast the buns; it is the difference between a sloppy joe and a soggy one.
- Browning the beef well before adding the sauce gives a deeper, meatier flavor.
- Tomato paste plus ketchup makes a thick sauce that clings to the beef instead of soaking the bun.
- Worcestershire and mustard balance the sweetness so it tastes savory, not sugary.
Ingredients
To serve
You will need
- 12-inch skillet
Method
Tap a step number to mark it done.
Brown the beef
Cook the beef, onion and bell pepper in the skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until well browned and the vegetables are soft. Spoon off any excess fat.
Add aromatics
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until the paste darkens.
Simmer the sauce
Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, chili powder and salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to mound on a spoon.
Toast and serve
Toast the buns cut-side down in a dry pan or under the broiler. Pile on the filling and serve with pickles and coleslaw.
Techniques in this recipe
- Fish and seafood145°F / 63°C
- Pork chops, tenderloin, whole cuts of beef145°F / 63°C
- Ground beef, pork and sausage160°F / 71°C
- Chicken and turkey (all cuts)165°F / 74°C
Source: USDA safe minimum internal temperatures. Measure the thickest part, away from bone. Is it done? Safe temperatures
The internal temperatures that tell you chicken, pork, beef, fish and ground meat are cooked safely, and when to pull them early for juicier results.
Read the full guide
Cook's notes
- Simmer until truly thick; a runny sauce is what makes sloppy joes soggy.
- Leftover filling freezes perfectly for 3 months.
- For a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce with the ketchup.
Nutrition per serving
420 calories
$2.82 estimated cost per serving
Where the calories come from
| Protein | 27% of calories | 29 g |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 43% of calories | 46 g |
| Fat | 30% of calories | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g | |
| Sodium | 960 mg |
Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for the listed ingredients and amounts; not lab-tested. Cost estimated from average US retail prices.
Questions people ask
Can you freeze sloppy joes?
Yes. Cool the filling completely and freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water.
What goes on a sloppy joe?
They are great plain, but pickles, a slice of cheddar, crispy onions or a spoonful of coleslaw on top are all classic additions.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Simmer the sauce until thick and toast the cut sides of the buns so they resist the sauce.
