Classic Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 hamburger buns, split

Steps and instructions

  1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.
  2. Stir in the garlic, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Ladle the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of the hamburger buns, and then cover with the top halves.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A medium-sized frying pan used to brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper.
  • Spatula - Utensil with a flat, narrow blade used for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Knife - A sharp tool for finely chopping the onion and green bell pepper.
  • Garlic press - A tool used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils used to accurately measure the mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Ladle - A large spoon with a long handle used to scoop and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns.
  • Hamburger buns - Soft, round bread rolls used as the base for the Sloppy Joes.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute.
  • Spicy Sloppy Joe: Add diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick.
  • Cheesy Sloppy Joe: Place a slice of cheddar or American cheese on top of the meat mixture before adding the top bun, and then broil until the cheese melts.
  • Sloppy Joe Sliders: Use slider buns instead of regular hamburger buns to create bite-sized sandwiches.
  • Barbecue Sloppy Joe: Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce to give the Sloppy Joe a smoky flavor.
  • Vegetable Medley Sloppy Joe: Add chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the meat mixture to incorporate more vegetables.
  • Sloppy Joe Lettuce Wraps: Serve the meat mixture in large lettuce leaves instead of buns for a low-carb option.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you in creating a classic American dish: the Sloppy Joe. A crowd-pleaser for both children and adults alike, the Sloppy Joe is a hearty sandwich filled with a deliciously sweet and tangy ground beef mixture. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You'll start by browning the beef with onions and green peppers, then mix in a flavorful blend of mustard, ketchup, garlic, and brown sugar. After a brief simmer to let the flavors meld, the mixture gets piled onto soft hamburger buns. The result is a satisfying, messy, and undeniably tasty sandwich that's sure to become a family favorite.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Sloppy Joes?
    It takes approximately 45 minutes to make Sloppy Joes.
  2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
    Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
    Absolutely! You can experiment by adding vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
  4. Can I make Sloppy Joes in advance?
    Yes, you can make the Sloppy Joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving.
  5. What can I serve with Sloppy Joes?
    Sloppy Joes are often served with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad.
  6. Can I freeze Sloppy Joes?
    Yes, you can freeze leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A medium-sized skillet is ideal for browning the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula will help in stirring and flipping the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are essential for accurately measuring the mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Ladle - A ladle will make it easier to scoop and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for finely chopping the onion and green bell pepper, as well as mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and garlic.
  • Hamburger buns - Hamburger buns are essential for serving the Sloppy Joe mixture.

Origin stories

Sloppy Joe is a quintessential American dish, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. The origin of the name itself is subject to a few theories, but one of the most prevalent attributes it to a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa who reportedly added tomato sauce to his loose meat sandwich. This led to the 'sloppy' part of the name. The 'Joe' part is typical of American dishes where a common man's name is added to food that could be served in diners or bars, or quick and easy recipes made at home. The Sloppy Joe has since found its way onto dinner tables across the country, particularly popular among children, making it a beloved part of American food heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.