Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes are about a million times better than the canned version you can buy in the grocery store. They taste better, you know what you’re eating and feeding your family, and it isn’t expensive to make. My husband, Nathan, absolutely loves these because they were a childhood favorite and it is a nostalgic meal.

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Why I Love Homemade Sloppy Joes

I love this homemade sloppy joe recipe because it is quick and easy. It is the perfect busy weeknight meal that is hearty, comforting, and delicious. 

Homemade sloppy joes are also an inexpensive and easily stretched meal if the food budget is tight. 

Homemade Sloppy Joe Ingredients

Olive oil, 1 tablespoon 

Butter, 1 tablespoon 

Ground Beef, 2 pounds

Red Bell Pepper, ½, diced

Onion, medium size, diced

Garlic, 3 cloves, minced 

Mushrooms, brown, 6 diced 

Tomato Paste, 2 tablespoons

Ketchup, 1 ½ cups, make your own with this recipe

Water, ⅔ cup 

Brown Sugar, 2 tablespoons 

Yellow Mustard, 2 teaspoons, make your own with this recipe

Steak seasoning, 1 teaspoon make your own here

Chili Powder, 2 tablespoons 

Ancho Chili Powder, 2 tablespoons 

Worcestershire Sauce, 1 teaspoon 

Salt and Pepper, to taste 

Hamburger Buns

Homemade Sloppy Joes Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, garlic, steak seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well. 

Heat up the butter and oil in a large skillet or a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat and saute the vegetables. Break apart any large pieces of meat as it cooks. Once the meat has browned and cooked, remove from the heat. 

Time to make the sauce! 

Add in the remaining ingredients to make the sauce. Mix well. Return to the heat and simmer on a low heat until the sauce has reduced to the consistency you want. For a thinner sauce, simmer for just a few minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, let it go for longer. 

Remove from the heat and serve over toasted buns. 

Be sure to toast your buns! 

Toasting the buns makes a world of difference in terms of texture. I turn the oven on to 400 degrees, and place the buns directly on the oven rack. Let them heat up along with the oven, and it will create the perfect crispy texture you need. 

If you don’t want to turn the oven on, you can toast the buns in a frying pan. Simply brush the cut side of the buns with some melted butter or oil and place in the pan until they start to brown. 

Stretch this recipe! 

We all know food budgets can be tight and meals need to stretch. Vegetables are inexpensive and help to stretch meals when needed. Add in extra mushrooms for a meat-like texture. If there is leftover tomato ends in the refrigerator, add that in. Or a can of diced tomatoes from the panty. 

Spice it up! 

If you like your food spicy, add in some red chili flakes or hot sauce, until it is to your liking. I thought the ancho chili powder gave it just enough spice with a hint of smoke, so I didn’t need to add in extra spice. But you may want to, so feel free! 

Add Texture

For an added texture and flavor, top this off with some homemade coleslaw! Adding homemade coleslaw will give it a nice crunchy texture and a temperature difference with something creamy and cold. It is a perfect addition to this delicious meal. 

Make it in the crockpot

Follow steps one and two, then add everything into the crockpot and cook on low 4-6 hours and high for 2-3 hours. The texture of the meat will be much softer though. Just be aware. 

Freeze for later! 

Follow all the directions from earlier, then cool the Homemade Sloppy Joe mixture. Spoon it into a container and freeze for up to four months. 

To use later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat before serving. 

Serve with

Serve with homemade coleslaw and baked corn on the cob for a hearty, delicious, and complete meal! 

Discussion

Have you made these Homemade Sloppy Joes yourself? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Find more of my beef recipes.

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