Sloppy Joe Recipe
Sink your teeth into the VERY BEST Sloppy Joe recipe, packed with bold, savory flavors and a rich homemade sauce that’s the real star of the show.
Fast, family-friendly, and fuss-free, these Sloppy Joes turn any weeknight dinner into something unforgettable with every bite of sweet, tangy, saucy deliciousness.
Star Players in This Sloppy Joe Recipe
- Ground beef – Hearty and satisfying, it forms the base of this classic comfort food. Lean or full-fat beef both work depending on your preference.
- Tomato sauce – Delivers body and depth to the sauce, bringing all the flavors together in a savory harmony.
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang, balancing out the richer notes of the sauce beautifully.
- Brown sugar – Just the right touch of molasses-kissed sweetness, adjustable to taste.
- Worcestershire sauce – Brings a savory umami layer that elevates the entire dish.
- Prepared mustard – Adds a hint of zippy sharpness for balance and complexity.
- Garlic – Fragrant and flavorful, it sets the tone with a deeply aromatic base.
- Garlic & onion powder – Boosts the flavor without the texture of fresh onions, keeping things silky-smooth.
- Hamburger buns – Soft and toasty, they cradle the saucy filling with just the right amount of structure.
- Sliced pickles – A crisp, tangy topper that cuts through the richness with bright contrast.
How to Make the VERY BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe
Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients—tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, and spices—until smooth and glossy.
Sauté garlic in a hot pan until just golden, then brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat and stir in the sauce.
Let everything simmer for at least 10 minutes, though a longer simmer only deepens the flavor. Serve the mixture warm on toasted buns, topped with pickles if you like a little crunch and tang.
Recipe Tips & Flavor Boosts
For a deeper, more complex flavor, simmer the Sloppy Joe mixture for up to 45 minutes—just be sure to stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Craving more texture? Dice half an onion and half a bell pepper and sauté until soft before adding the beef. These additions infuse the dish with a classic diner-style taste and satisfying bite.
This recipe is flexible, too. Swap ground turkey for a leaner option, or tweak the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or using honey instead.
Keeping Sloppy Joes Fresh for Later
To store leftovers, let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. For best results, toast fresh buns before serving again to bring back that perfect texture contrast.
The VERY BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sliced pickles
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- Hamburger buns
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or a 2-cup glass measuring cup, combine tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended, then set aside.
- Heat a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one to two minutes, just until it releases its fragrance and begins to lightly brown. Raise the heat to medium or medium-high, add ground beef, and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
- Incorporate the sauce into the browned meat, stirring well to coat. Let the mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated and the flavors meld.
- Serve warm on hamburger buns, garnished with sliced pickles.
