Homemade Sloppy Joes are what I make when I want dinner on the table fast without reaching for a can of anything. A quick skillet of ground beef, onions, red pepper, and a simple tomato sauce comes together in about 20 minutes, and tastes so much better than the canned version!
Is there anything more satisfying than a Sloppy Joe? This isn't the canned Manwich version we grew up with, either - this is a meal is real ingredients that you can feel great about putting on the table.
I love making this for a family dinner because picky eaters just can't turn it down, and it's so quick to throw together!
If you love a good weeknight skillet dinner, try my French Onion Beef Noodle Skillet or my One Skillet Chili Mac!
Ingredients
For the beef, I use ground beef here, but ground turkey works well if you want a lighter version.
Finely chopped onion and red pepper build the base of the sauce and add a little sweetness as they cook down. I like to chop them small so they melt into the mixture instead of standing out in big pieces, though you can leave them a bit larger if you prefer more texture.
The sauce itself is simple: tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. The tomato paste is what gives the homemade Sloppy Joe sauce its thickness and deeper flavor, so I don't recommend skipping it even though it's a small amount.
See recipe card for quantities.
Make it Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, serve the mixture on gluten-free buns and double-check the label on your Worcestershire sauce. Some brands use barley malt vinegar, which contains gluten, so look for one labeled gluten-free.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Cook the onion and red pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and red pepper and cook until softened, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Brown the beef.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink and the fat has rendered, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Build the sauce.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer.
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
Serve.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, then spoon the mixture onto the buns.
Equipment
I like to make this in a cast iron skillet because it holds onto heat well, which helps the beef brown nicely and keeps the sauce at a steady simmer as it thickens. It also keeps the whole mixture warm for serving!
Pro Tips
- If you're using ground turkey, you may need to add an extra drizzle of olive oil to the pan before browning the meat since the fat content is lower.
- A splash more Worcestershire sauce toward the end of cooking can deepen the flavor if you taste the sauce and feel like something is missing.
- If your sauce seems too thick before you're ready to serve, a small splash of water or extra tomato sauce will loosen it back up.
Variations
I love to make these sandwiches with ground turkey when that's what I have on hand, or add a bit of hot sauce when I don't have spice-sensitive kiddos to feed.
Looking for something different? Try an Asian twist with my Korean Beef Sloppy Joes!
Storage
Store the Sloppy Joe mixture in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave, then spoon it onto fresh buns when you're ready to eat.
This Sloppy Joe recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months, so I like to double the batch and freeze half for a quick dinner later.
FAQ
Sure! You can cook the sloppy joe mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat it on the stove before serving.
The classic way to serve Sloppy Joes is on toasted sesame buns with sliced pickles. I love to pair them with Sweet Potato Fries or regular French Fries.
This usually happens if the beef wasn't drained well or the sauce didn't simmer long enough. Give it a few extra minutes uncovered, and it should thicken up. But also, remember - they should be a bit sloppy!
The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and red pepper 4 to 6 minutes, until soft.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain fat.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
- Simmer uncovered 8 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve on buns.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
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Karen Kelly
Karen Kelly is a nationally syndicated food and travel writer, founder of Seasonal Cravings, and co-founder of The Roam Report. She develops approachable seasonal recipes and covers travel and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in numerous media outlets, including Yahoo, Taste of Home, Apple News, NBC, FOX, and other national and regional publications.
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