Sloppy Joe Recipe

Homemade sloppy joe mixture sandwiches between a toasted hamburger bun.

4.84 from 56 votes

This Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe combines budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, onions, and bell peppers, all simmered in a tangy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned sauce. It’s the perfect busy weeknight dinner and incredibly delicious served on toasted hamburger buns.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Beef, Dinner, Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe, Ground Beef Recipes, Homemade Sloppy Joes, How to Make Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joe Recipe, Sloppy Joes

Servings: Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Author: Jessica Randhawa

Cost: $8

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoon butter
1 large onion finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper deseeded and finely chopped
½-1 cup ketchup add according to your preference
¼ cup chicken broth water or beef broth
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes optional, for heat
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded, divided, optional
6 hamburger buns

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a fine-mesh strainer to drain and discard the excess grease.
Return the beef to the skillet.
Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, onion, and bell pepper, mixing well to combine. Cook until soft, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the ketchup, chicken broth, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper—season with chili powder or red chili flakes (optional).
Cook for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, reduce the heat to low to prevent burning.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Remove from heat and cover with a lid. Let it rest just until the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes.
Garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve sandwiched between your favorite toasted hamburger buns.

Notes

Serving size is one sloppy joe sandwich on a hamburger bun. This recipe makes six sandwiches.

Variations and ingredient substitutions:

For more tanginess, add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, or add a splash of pickle juice.
For more heat, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes. Start with a small amount (around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) and adjust according to your heat preference. You can also add diced jalapeño peppers at the same time as the green bell pepper and onion or add a dash of hot sauce.
For more veggies, sauteed chopped mushrooms blend seamlessly with the ground beef and sauce.
For more tomato flavor, add a half-cup of tomato sauce with one tablespoon of tomato paste.
Ground beef: I suggest using 85-90% lean ground beef. You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
Cheddar cheese (optional): Original sloppy joes recipes did not include melted cheese, but I love the added richness and gooey texture. Feel free to omit cheese from the recipe or try a different variety of cheese like provolone or Pepperjack.

What should I add if my sloppy joe mixture is too runny? Too thick?

If your sloppy joe mixture is too runny, simmer uncovered over low heat until excess moisture evaporates and the sauce naturally thickens. Alternatively, tomato paste will help thicken the sauce and amplify the flavor. If the mixture is too thick, gradually stir in water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Leftovers and Freezing:

Leftovers: Place leftover sloppy joe mixture in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to freezer-friendly bags or containers. Freeze for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Updated on Feb. 4, 2025, with new images and updated recipe.

Nutrition