WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Sloppy Joes
Array/5
COOK TIME
20 min- 3 hours depending on simmer time
TOTAL TIME
30 min to 3 hrs
SERVINGS
6-8 sandwiches
These classic homemade Sloppy Joes are sweet, a little tangy, and packed with flavor just like my dad always made them. They were a regular thing at birthdays, family get-togethers, and BBQs, and now I finally wrote the recipe down. It’s simple, a little messy, and always the first thing to disappear whenever I make them!
I’m pretty sure I’ve been ruined for life when it comes to any other recipe for Sloppy Joe’s. This one has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. It originally came from my dad, or at least that’s what we’ve always said. Who knows if he made it up or got it from someone else, but either way, it became the recipe. We had it at every birthday party, family get-together, and definitely during every game. My friends know it well too. If you’ve ever eaten dinner at our house during football season, there’s a good chance this was on the table.
If you’ve never had a Sloppy Joe, it’s seasoned ground beef simmered in a sweet and savory tomato-based sauce, then spooned onto a soft sandwich bun. It’s messy but satisfying in a simple way. What makes this version a little different is the balance of sweet with a bold splash of vinegar, which adds just the right amount of punch.
When I became an adult, I decided to learn how to make them myself. The only problem was that my dad never used measurements. It was just a list of ingredients made entirely by instinct and taste. So when people started asking for the recipe, I realized I needed to actually figure it out and write it down.
This version is as close to the original as I could get, and trust me, I tested it a lot. You can still taste and tweak it to your liking. I like mine on the sweeter side, so I usually add a little more brown sugar. You might want to lean more into the vinegar flavor, which gives it a tangy, North Carolina-style barbecue kick. Totally up to you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground beef – Makes up the beefy savory base to the filling and soaks up all the flavor from the sauce. I usually use 80/20, but leaner ground beef works too.
Onion – Adds a soft, slightly sweet flavor that blends into the sauce as it cooks.
Celery – Gives a little texture and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. It might not be traditional, but it really works here.
Ketchup – The sweet and tangy base that pulls all the ingredients together into that familiar Sloppy Joe flavor.
Butter – Adds richness and also tones down the acidity just a bit.
Brown Sugar – Brings the sweetness and rounds out the tomato and vinegar. I tend to add a bit more because I like mine on the sweeter side.
Lemon Juice – Adds a fresh, bright contrast that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a deep, savory flavor that layers in a little complexity without being overpowering.
White Vinegar – Gives the sauce its signature tang. It’s what sets this version apart and brings that sweet and sour balance.
Mustard – Adds a sharp bite that pulls everything together.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Filling
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and return the pan to the stove.
Sauté the vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and celery to the cooked beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
Add the sauce ingredients: Pour in the ketchup, then add the butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and mustard. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the butter has melted into the sauce.
Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Stir occasionally.
Taste and adjust: Give the Sloppy Joe mixture a taste and adjust as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. For more tang, add a splash of vinegar. This part is all about making it your own.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon the warm Sloppy Joe filling onto soft sandwich buns or serve open-faced with a fork and knife. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Scoop out some grease before adding the veggies. Even if you’re using 80/20 ground beef, draining all the fat can make the final mixture dry. Leave behind just a tablespoon or two to help the onions and celery sauté without extra oil.
Cut the celery super fine. Celery takes longer to soften than onion, so mincing it small helps it melt into the sauce instead of standing out with an unexpected crunch.
Butter helps balance acidity. With vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice in the mix, the butter adds richness and smooths out sharp edges without dulling the flavor.
Let the mixture rest before serving. Once it’s done simmering, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the meat better.
Use a wide wooden spoon to gently mash the filling. Pressing and folding the meat helps absorb extra liquid and improves the texture, especially if the mixture looks loose at first.
Toast only the inside of the buns. This keeps the outside soft while giving the inside just enough crunch to hold up to the saucy filling without falling apart.
Make it ahead when possible. The flavors develop even more overnight, so if you can, cook the filling the day before and gently reheat on the stove. It’s even better the next day.
Customize Your Sandwich
Use ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want to bring in some heat and spice things up.
Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack right before serving.
Serve on Texas toast or garlic bread instead of buns for an upgrade.
Swap in Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns for a soft, slightly sweet contrast to the tangy filling.
Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the onion and celery for more color and filling.
Serve over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes if you’re skipping the bread
Top with a fried egg and serve open-faced for a brunch spin.
Use leftovers as a topping for nachos, tater tots, or mac and cheese.
Storage Instructions
Storing: Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the meat mixture separately from the buns to keep everything from getting soggy. If you’re making this ahead for the week, portion it out into individual containers for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then pack it into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick.
FAQ
Can I make Sloppy Joes in a slow cooker?
Yes. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. This is a great option if you want to prep ahead for a party.
Can I add vegetables to stretch the recipe further?
Yes. Add finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini along with the onion and celery to bulk it up and sneak in extra veggies without changing the flavor much.
How do I thicken the mixture if it still looks runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes on low heat, or stir in a teaspoon of tomato paste or cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to help thicken the sauce quickly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and serve it later?
Yes, this is one of those recipes that actually tastes better the next day. You can fully cook the mixture, cool it, then reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker just before serving.
What’s the best vinegar to use for this recipe?
Plain white vinegar gives the sharpest tang, which works really well with the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar. If you’re out, apple cider vinegar is the closest backup but adds a slightly sweeter flavor.
More Sandwich Recipes
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Sloppy Joes
Classic Sloppy Joes. Sweet and a bit vinegary and super easy to make. A classic for a comfort dinner or a day of football.
Ingredients
2 lbs Hamburger
1 Onion, chopped
4 Celery Stalks, chopped
1 cup Ketchup
4 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
4 Tablespoons White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Mustard
Instructions
- Brown hamburger over med/high heat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Return to heat and reduce to medium/low.
- Add the chopped onion and celery. Then add all other ingredients, stir and heat for about 2 minutes.
- Taste test time. Add brown sugar for more sweetness or vinegar to add a little more sour taste, whatever your preference. I like mine a little on the sweet side, but that’s probably no surprise. Just be sure to add a little bit at a time, a little goes a long way.
- Cover and allow to simmer on low for at least an hour. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.
- Serve on buns as a sandwich or open face (my personal favorite). Enjoy our family’s favorite sloppy joe recipe!
Notes
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3 Responses
The best Sloppy Joe recipe ever!!
This recipe is incredible!! Thank you so much Laura! It will definitely be put on the rotation of things to make regularly in our house!
Yay! So happy you loved it! It’s one of my all time favorites too!