Side Dish & Snacks

Sloppy Joes – Delicious Meal Ideas

Name: Sloppy Joes – Delicious Meal Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lb. lean ground beef; 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 large green bell pepper, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup; 2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar; 2 tsp. ground chili powder; 1 tsp. dry mustard powder; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup water; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce; 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 8 soft Kaiser rolls, toasted; Crunchy kettle-cooked potato chips, for serving

Irene Adkins May 8, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Ah, Sloppy Joes. The mere mention of them conjures up warm memories of family dinners and backyard cookouts. I remember the first time I took a big, juicy bite of a Sloppy Joe. The flavors mingled together so perfectly that I just couldn’t resist going back for seconds—or thirds!

They’re like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Now, before we delve into the art of making these delicious sandwiches, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with them.

When I’m serving Sloppy Joes, I love accompanying them with kettle-cooked potato chips. Their crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft, messy sandwich. Another great side is corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn rounds out the savory richness of the meat.

And who can forget a simple coleslaw? It adds a refreshing crunch that complements every mouthful.

Thus, grabbing your apron and getting ready for a bit of culinary magic is key—because today we’re diving into the delightful world of Sloppy Joes!

What Are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are not just any ordinary sandwiches; they are a flavor explosion in a bun. The base is usually ground beef mixed with a sweet and tangy sauce, all piled high on a soft roll.

They are famous in American cuisine, often making appearances at family gatherings and cookouts. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1930s, and many people attribute its creation to a cook named Joe who worked in a Sioux City, Iowa café.

The purpose was simple: create an easy, quick meal that kids would love, and boy, did it succeed!

The Ingredients

Before we start mixing flavors, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of Sloppy Joes lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch that could satisfy a small army—around six to eight servings:

2 1/2 lb. lean ground beef

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup

2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar

2 tsp. ground chili powder

1 tsp. dry mustard powder

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 dashes of Tabasco sauce

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

8 soft Kaiser rolls, toasted

Crunchy kettle-cooked potato chips, for serving

How to Make Sloppy Joes?

Creating these sandwiches is a straightforward process that even the busiest home cooks can master. For the uninitiated, the first step is preparing your ingredients.

Then, we dive into a simple series of steps to bring it all together.

Step 1: The Ground Beef

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef when the butter is bubbling slightly. Cook the beef, continuously breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until it browns, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. You want hearty meat without it swimming in grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them until they’re soft, around 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds a sweetness to your mixture. Don’t forget the garlic—mix it in and let it sizzle for another minute. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and neighbors will be curious about your culinary endeavors!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now it’s time for the fun part! Stir in the tomato ketchup, dark brown sugar, chili powder, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Pour in the water (or beef broth if you’ve got it).

Simmer the mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and simmer until it’s just the right consistency—rich and not too runny.

Step 4: Season and Flavor

Once your mixture looks delicious, season with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir. If you’d like, fold in the cheddar cheese at the end to add a creamy, cheesy layer that elevates the entire dish.

Step 5: Toast the Rolls

While the mixture is simmering away, lightly toast your Kaiser rolls in a toaster or under the broiler. This step is crucial because a slightly crispy exterior helps keep the bread from getting too soggy once loaded with the juicy filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now comes the best part—assembly. Scoop a generous amount of your Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with additional cheese if desired. Place the top half of the roll on top. Grab a fork, napkins, and get ready to dig in!

Notes

Here are some handy tips for making your Sloppy Joes even better:

Use lean beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the sandwich filling lighter and healthier.
Add veggies: Feel free to sneak in other finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
Adjust the heat: If you enjoy a kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit more Tabasco.
Try different buns: While Kaiser is traditional, experiment with brioche, sourdough, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Make it ahead: Sloppy Joe filling stores well! Prepare it a day early for the best flavor.

Storage Tips

If you somehow have Sloppy Joes left over (a rarity in my household), place the filling in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the mixture! Just ensure you defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

What should you serve with these Sloppy Joes? Here are a few ideas:

Crunchy Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: A side that adds texture to the meal. The salty crunch is a perfect companion to the softness of the sandwich.
Corn on the Cob: Whether steamed or grilled, this pairing is bliss. Butter a fresh piece of corn while it’s still hot, and the sweetness complements the savory Sloppy Joe perfectly.
Coleslaw: A classic side! Its crispness and light vinegar-based dressing work wonders to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
Pickles: A little zing adds fun to your plate. Consider dill slices or sweet pickles on the side for that crunchy and tangy flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried, they offer a sweet dimension that contrasts the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joe. Serve them with a spicy mayo for the win!

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Sloppy Joes?

Perhaps you’re out of ground beef or looking for alternatives? No problem! Here are five creative substitutes:

Ground Turkey: Leaner than beef, ground turkey can provide a lighter version of the classic Sloppy Joe. Just ensure to season it well to keep the flavors robust.
Pulled Pork: This is a delightful twist. Use leftover pulled pork in the same sauce, and savor the smoky goodness.
Lentils: For a vegetarian option, substitute cooked lentils for meat. They offer great texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
Quinoa: This is another healthy alternative. Cooked quinoa can easily hold up in the savory sauce while providing protein.
Beyond Meat or Other Meat Alternatives: Many grocery stores offer plant-based ground meat options. They are engineered to look and taste like meat, making them an excellent choice for creating a vegetarian-style Sloppy Joe.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! Sloppy Joes are more than just a meal; they are a nostalgic journey through flavors that bring people together.

Whether you stick to the classic version or venture into exciting variations, these sandwiches make for unforgettable dinners. So, rendezvous with your kitchen, gather those ingredients, and whip up a batch. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy every delicious, messy bite.

Happy cooking!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

Print Recipe

Sloppy Joes – Delicious Meal Ideas

Author: Irene Adkins Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dish & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 510 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

They’re like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Now, before we delve into the art of making these delicious sandwiches, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with them.