Savour a messy, delicious bite of nostalgia with our classic sloppy joe sandwiches, perfect for a quick family meal.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Cook the beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef for even cooking.
Add vegetables
Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine sauce ingredients
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Simmer the mixture
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Pro tip: Simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
Toast the buns
While the meat mixture simmers, toast the burger buns until golden brown, if desired.
Pro tip: Toasting adds a nice texture to the final sandwich.
Assemble sandwiches
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, top with the other half, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a wooden spoon to break up ground beef while it cooks for even browning.
- Simmer longer for thicker sauce.
- Toast the buns for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sloppy joe sandwiches?
Sloppy joe sandwiches are a classic American dish consisting of ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on a hamburger bun.
How many calories are in a sloppy joe sandwich?
A classic sloppy joe sandwich contains approximately 450 calories per serving.
Can I make sloppy joe sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
What sides go well with sloppy joe sandwiches?
Sloppy joe sandwiches pair well with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
How can I thicken the sloppy joe sauce?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer. This reduces the moisture content and thickens the sauce naturally.
What can I use instead of ground beef for sloppy joes?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
450
Calories
25g
Protein
20g
Fat
45g
Carbs
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Kitchen & BBQ gear
What we use for recipes like this

Kitchen Appliances · Stand Mixers
Kitchen in the Box 6.5QT 660W, 6-Speed Tilt-Head Stand Mixer(Gray)
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Kitchen Organisation · Spice Racks
Nieifi Spice Rack Wall Mount,Spice Organizer for Spice Jars,4 Pack (Clear)
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Pit Boss Grills
Bold Burger Rub
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