Easy Sloppy Joes

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade and Easy Sloppy Joes! This quick, no-fuss recipe is ready in 30 minutes and delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it on toasted buns topped with pickled onions and pepperoncini for a real crowd-pleaser!

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Why This Recipe Works

This easy sloppy Joes recipe features ground beef simmered with classic seasonings like sweet ketchup, tangy mustard, and savory Worcestershire sauce. I love to serve it on toasted buns with pickled onions and pepperoncini for a zesty twist.

Everything comes together in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. And the ingredients are almost all pantry staples, making it perfect for regular weeknight family dinners without breaking the budget.

My favorite part about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. It’s perfect for grab-and-go meals all month! Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just looking for a comforting meal, this easy sloppy Joes recipe will definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of juicy, rich flavors. However, you can use 90/10 ground beef if you prefer a leaner flavor.
• Onion: Offers a sharp, sweet taste that mellows out when cooked. Yellow or white onion are both good choices for this recipe.
• Green Bell Pepper: Brings a garden fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the mixture.
• Garlic: Imparts a pungent, zesty kick that’s essential in building layers of savory flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor that adds umami depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Ketchup: Forms the base of the sloppy Joe sauce, adding sweet and tangy notes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses sweetness, balancing the tanginess.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy depth to the sauce.
• Chili Powder: Gives the ground beef a mild, smoky heat. I use regular chili powder.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a complex, savory flavor with a slight tang.
• Buns: The best choice for this easy sloppy Joes recipe is brioche buns, but you can use hamburger buns, hot dog buns, or even Texas toast if you prefer.

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Start cooking the ground beef in a non-stick pan. Break the beef into chunks, stirring frequently, until it’s thoroughly browned. This should take about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, draining the excess grease.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions and green bell peppers in some olive oil for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s aromatic.
3. Add the Sauce: Add the beef back to the pan. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring the beef is well coated. In a separate bowl, mix the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Dijon, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes. You’re aiming for a sauce that’s rich and thickened so it thoroughly coats the beef.
5. Assemble and Serve: Toast the buns until they’re lightly golden. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of the buns, then spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun. Finish them off with pickled onions and pepperoncini, and dig in!

Instant Pot Cooking Instructions for Sloppy

1. Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode. Melt butter in the inner pot and begin to brown the beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Once the meat is browned, remove it and drain the excess grease. Set aside.
2. Add olive oil to the pot and cook the onions and bell peppers until soft. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn the Instant Pot off and add the cooked beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine. 
3. Put the lid on and lock it into place. Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode, on High pressure, and cooking time at 10 minutes. Once the mixture is done cooking, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid carefully and stir the mixture.

Crock Pot Instructions for Sloppy Joes

1. Just like you would on the stove or Instant Pot, saute the meat in a skillet until browned. Remove from the pan and drain the excess grease. In the same skillet, cook the onions and bell peppers until soft. Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. 
2. Add the cooked beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and the rest of the ingredients to a crock pot. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasonings as needed.

How To Serve

Homemade Sloppy Joes are so delicious on a toasted bun, but feel free to stray away from the norm! Serve the meat and sauce on top of any of these tasty options:

• Baked sweet potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Stuffed in a grilled cheese

Try these side dishes when Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are the star of the meal:

• Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad With Parmesan
• Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Creamy Grilled Smashed Potato Salad
• 10 Minute Apple Cabbage Slaw

Substitutions and Variations

• Peppers: If you’re not a fan of green bell peppers, try red or yellow bell peppers for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh, but the flavor will be less intense.
• Tomato Paste: If tomato paste is unavailable, tomato sauce can work in a pinch. Reduce the water in the sauce to compensate for the extra liquid.
• Ketchup: For a healthier option, choose a low-sugar or organic ketchup.
• Sugar Substitutes: For a different kind of natural sweetness, maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar.
• Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the chili powder to your preferred heat level. For a smokier flavor, try ancho or chipotle chili powder.

Storing & Reheating

Maximize the flavor and freshness of your sloppy Joes with these storing and reheating tips.

• Fridge: Transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge this way for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: The mixture can be frozen in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3-6 months. The meat and sauce can be frozen separately or together. For easier reheating, I suggest freezing it in single-serving portions.
• Reheating: Reheat the mixture in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Then, toast some buns and serve it!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Browning the Beef: Properly brown the beef for a deep, caramelized flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Finely Chop Veggies: Chop the onions and bell peppers finely for a consistent texture throughout the sloppy Joes.
• Slow Simmer: Let the mixture simmer long enough for the flavors to develop fully.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds the perfect crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Rest the Mixture: Rest the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken.

FAQs

More Comfort Food

If you enjoyed this easy sloppy Joes recipe, try some of these other hearty and comforting dishes:

• Oven Baked Bone In Chicken Thighs
• Langostino Lobster Rolls
• Turkey Club Sandwich
• Banh Mi Burgers

If you try this Easy Sloppy Joes recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!