Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe
on Mar 30, 2017, Updated Oct 15, 2021
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This Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is better than any package of sloppy joe mix and you’ll even have a few bucks leftover for dessert.
As a bonus, this 30-minute recipe is another one pot wonder that makes clean up easier and faster. Win. Win. Win.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
I don’t know of many kids who don’t like a good helping of Sloppy Joe, or if you prefer, Sloppy Joes. Singular or plural, it’s the same delicious meal when it comes to making this Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe. Or these Sloppy Joe Hand Pies.
Legend has it that the sloppy joe sandwich as we know it has its origins in Sioux City, Iowa. It seems there that back in the 1930s, a local cook named Joe came up with the template of this taste of Americana with his tomato-based “loose meat” sandwich. Talk about humble beginnings.
Surely Joe had no idea that his kitchen creation would be destined to become ubiquitous with classic American cuisine.
Interestingly enough, in America’s heartland of Wisconsin, Sloppy Joes are often referred to as Spanish hamburgers. This fact was made known to me tonight, and after asking a couple of cheesehead friends, I was told that this is indeed the case.
Homemade Sloppy Joe Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Sweet onion
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Brown sugar
- Garlic or garlic powder (or both)
- Sweet bell pepper (Optional)
Coming off the recent flavor high that was provided by our Simple Goulash Recipe just a few days ago, I was generous with the amount of onions that I added to this one-pot wonder recipe. I have had sloppy Joes, made from a seasoning packet, numerous times.
There is no comparison, in taste or flavor, of those processed envelopes of seasoning and this made from scratch Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe. We served these beauties with slices of Provolone cheese, bread and butter pickles, and chips and salad.
Give this simple and flavorful recipe a try. You won ‘t believe how delicious it is to enjoy!
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Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sweet onions, medium-size, coarse chop
- 3 cloves garlic, coarse chop
- 1/2 bell pepper, fine chop
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 lbs ground beef, lean
- 1.5 cups ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 hamburgr buns, toasted lightly in oven.
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sautée onions and stir until wilted and light brown, about 5 minutes. Add diced pepper and garlic and continue to saute until pepper is softened. Add the ground beef and brown, drain off liquid from pain.
- Stir in the mustard, garlic powder, brown sugar and ketchup, mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and then simmer for about 20 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Butter the hamburger buns and place under oven broiler for 2 minutes, just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I haven’t had sloppy joes in ages, but I always love to add shredded carrots or zucchini – you can’t even taste them, and a great way to get some extra veggies. Delicious!
Yum! Such a wonderful comfort meal. I bet it would be a huge hit with my kids. I love that you included a bit of the history.
I’ve never made my own sloppy joes, I really should. Yours look delicious.
I love to make sloppy joes for a group. This recipe has a few things in it that mine doesn’t. I’m just wondering how much brown sugar to add? It doesn’t say in the ingredients list.
Phyllis, use 1/4 cup of brown sugar for this recipe. Thanks for pointing out this omission, which we have corrected.
My mom used to make sloppy joes when I was a kid– but I am certain I have never made them as an adult!
Oh wow, my kids would absolutely LOVE this recipe! I need to make it for them soon!
Wow, it has been such a long time since I had sloppy joes! I think it’s time I change that! 🙂
That looks yummy! Perfect for Sunday afternoon at the pool with some beers or fruity Caribbean cocktails!
This takes me back to my time in the US. Just biting into a sloppy Joe is pure heaven
I haven’t had a good sloppy joe in ages. It was interesting hearing where they originated. This is such a great hearty family friendly meal and yours looks amazing.