These homemade sloppy joes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, savory sauce that is miles ahead of anything you’ll find in a can. They are absolutely amazing when served with tangy pickles and a side of crispy homemade potato chips for the perfect satisfying crunch. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that truly hits the spot every single time!
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🥫 The Ingredients
Fresh aromatics and hearty beef are simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce before being piled onto warm buns and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: We recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor, but you can easily swap this for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Chili Sauce: This refers to the bottled condiment (like Heinz) rather than a spicy hot sauce; if you’re out, ketchup with a pinch of chili powder is a great substitute.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides that signature tang, though white wine vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice will work in its place.
- Beef Stock: Using a high-quality or low-sodium stock adds depth, but you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.
- Hamburger Buns: While classic buns are great, try using toasted brioche or Kaiser rolls to ensure they hold up to the generous, saucy filling.
- Grated Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides the best bite, but Monterey Jack or even a slice of American cheese melts beautifully over the warm beef.
Refer to the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🔥 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sloppy Joes
- Toast the Buns: To prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy, lightly butter the inside of your buns and toast them on a griddle or in the oven until golden brown. This creates a delicious “barrier” that keeps the sandwich intact.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The magic happens during the simmering stage. Let the mixture bubble gently until the sauce has thickened and reduced; this intensifies the flavors and ensures the meat stays on the bun rather than sliding off.
- Finely Dice the Veggies: Aim for a very small dice on your onion and green bell pepper. This allows them to soften quickly and blend seamlessly into the beef for a consistent texture in every bite.
- Break Up the Beef: Use a wooden spoon or a meat masher to break the ground beef into very small crumbles while browning. Finer crumbles hold the sauce much better than large chunks.
- Make It Ahead: Like many tomato-based sauces, the flavor of these sloppy joes actually improves after sitting. Feel free to make the filling a day in advance and reheat it on the stovetop for an even deeper, richer taste.
- Control the Heat: If you prefer a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture while it simmers to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
How to Make the Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Step 1: Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in the oil in a skillet over medium heat until soft, about 6 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the beef, break it up with a wooden spatula, and cook until no longer pink. Safely discard most of the rendered grease.
- Step 3: Stir in the beef stock, tomato sauce, and chili sauce.
- Step 4: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Place mounds of the Sloppy Joe mixture on a baking sheet and top with a handful of the grated cheese.
- Step 6: Place under the broiler to quickly melt the cheese. Use a spatula to place on a toasted bun. Serve at once with the top bun placed on top of the sandwich.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the meat mixture stays fresh in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
If the consistency is too thin, continue simmering the mixture uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow the liquid to reduce. This naturally intensifies the flavor while creating a heartier texture that won’t soak through your bread.
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble works beautifully as a substitute for the beef. Since these options are lean, you may want to add a teaspoon of oil to the pan to ensure the aromatics sauté properly.
This meal is perfect for feeding a large group. You can easily scale up the ingredients and prepare everything in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker to keep the filling warm throughout a party or family gathering.
🥪 More Iconic Sandwich Recipes
Ready to make the best Sloppy Joe in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a picture, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper cored, seeded, chopped
- 1½ lbs ground beef 85% lean, preferably
- ¼ cup beef stock
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar dark or light
- 1½ Kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper divided
- 6 sesame-seed sandwich buns split and lightly buttered
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 6 to 8 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup yellow onion, ½ cup green bell pepper
- Add the beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 to 12 minutes. If desired, remove the excess grease by tilting the skillet to one side, and remove the grease with a large spoon into a small bowl. Leave about 1 to 2 tablespoon in the skillet.1½ lbs ground beef
- Add the beef stock, tomato sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer, stirring to fully incorporate.¼ cup beef stock, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1½ Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally.
- Toast the buttered buns (a couple of minutes under the broiler…but keep an eye on them!)6 sesame-seed sandwich buns
- On a baking sheet, add a mound of meat mixture for each sandwich you are preparing. Place a handful of cheese on top of each mound of meat. Place under the broiler until the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on them, don't let them burn!1 cup cheddar cheese
- Use a spatula to transfer the sloppy joe mounds topped with melted cheese onto the bun bottoms. Add the top bun and serve at once
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in April 2015, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe, new tips, new photography, and a fabulous new video in March 2020!
Donda Johnsom says
This recipe is so good. I made it like 3 or 4 years ago for the first time and I’ve been making it since then…
Kris Longwell says
Hi Donda! We are thrilled you have been making these sloppy Joes and loving them! We just made a batch a few days ago! So good! Thanks for sharing and for the awesome review. That means the world to us! Please stay in touch! xo Kris & Wesley
Michelle says
Not only were these sloppy joe slammin, they were very quick and easy to fix. The Griffen 100% approved! Thanks again for another hit recipe and video. I so enjoy cooking with you two.
Kris Longwell says
You rock!!!!!! xoxo
MaryClair Marada says
Oops disregard. I saw the note about it! Thank you! Love all your recipes!
Kris Longwell says
Woo hoo! No worries! Let us know if you make the sloppy joes and what you think!!!
MaryClair Marada says
What kind of chili sauce?
Jane C Johnson says
Absolutely delicious. My son was visiting and couldn’t get enough of this. He is really picky, but cleaned up with this sloppy Joe recipe. He loved it.!!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Jane!! That is about the most awesome thing we’ve heard all day!! We are thrilled that you and especially your ‘picky’ son like our sloppy joes! We love ’em, too!! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the slammin’ review! That means the world to us!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Isaac says
Hi Loons,
Just finished up scarfing down a double batch of these delectable treats. I must agree they are some the best sloppy joes I’ve enjoyed. A guest remarked “you must send me this recipe!”
Thanks again,
Isaac
Kris Longwell says
Isaac!
YES!! That is so awesome! When we are in the mood for some old-school comfort food, these sloppy Joe’s are always what we turn to!! We are so happy you and your guests enjoyed them!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting us know!! That means the world to us!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Sandy says
Your Sloppy Joes are sooo good! I enjoy watching you two cook – you are so happy and you make me smile! Thanks for all the yummy recipes!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Sandy! You have no idea how happy you have made us! Thank you so much and we are thrilled you are enjoying our recipes and videos! And those sloppy joes are the bomb, right? All the best, Kris & Wesley
Nancy Droessler says
I made this for something a little bit different than my regular sloppy joes. This is fabulous! My
husband loved it and so did I. Thank you. You guys are the BEST!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Nancy! Woo hoo!! So glad you gave our sloppy Joe’s a try and we are so thrilled to hear you and your husband loved them. And thank you SO MUCH for letting us know and for the GREAT review! That means the world to us!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
LindY G Sherrod says
Had this for supper, it was soooo delicious. My kids loved it too. Thank y’all for sharing this and all your recipes. I give the Sloppy Joes Southern Approval.
Kris Longwell says
YES!!!! That’s what we LOVE to hear!! Pleasing the adults AND the kids is a major win!! We are so glad you had such success and THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us know and the GREAT review!! Stay in touch!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Jane says
These look sooooo good and I have everything except green pepper so mak in’ these tonight!! Thanks!
Kris Longwell says
Woo hoo!! Let us know how they turn out and what you think!!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Kristy Turner says
WOW!! I used 2 stalks celery (until told otherwise) added about 1 tspn siracha….goodness gracious!!! DEVINE!.
Thank you again for another amazing recipe! I have not been disappointed! 🙂
krislongwell says
Hi Kristy! You are RIGHT! Two stalks is perfect! And thanks for the heads up, updating the recipe now to correct that. We LOVE a good sloppy Joe recipe, and we just had to elevate it a bit. So glad you liked it!! xoxo
Kristy Turner says
hi guys! I’m making this right now and don’t see how much celery to add (even tho I was sure I saw celery in the pic)…I’ll just guessimate for now, but let me know when you can…excited to make these! I know they will be amazing as everything else has been that I have tried! Happy Memorial Day! 🙂