This is the only sloppy joe recipe you’ll ever need. These Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes come together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and deliver that nostalgic, saucy flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this classic ground beef recipe, hits the mark every time.
Why You Will Love These Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Quick and Easy Dinner: These classic homemade sloppy joes cook in under 30 minutes using one pan, making this family dinner recipe ideal for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, packed with bold and tangy flavors.
- Simple Ingredients: This old-school recipe uses staples you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These sloppy joes taste even better the next day, making this classic ground beef recipe perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version.
- White onion: Yellow or sweet onion works just as well.
- Ketchup: Swap with tomato sauce plus a little brown sugar if you’re out.
- Yellow mustard: Dijon or spicy brown mustard can be used for a slight flavor twist.
- Worcestershire sauce: Try soy sauce or coconut aminos in a pinch.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Break up the meat as it browns.
- Once nearly cooked through, if there’s too much grease, drain some off now.
- Add the minced onions.
- Sauté the onions with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, water, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot on toasted sesame seed buns. Add cheese, if desired.
How to Serve and Store
- Serving Suggestions:
- Spoon onto toasted sesame buns, slider buns, or lettuce.
- Top with cheddar or American cheese.
- Serve with potato chips, pickles, or coleslaw on the side.
- Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Sloppy Joes reheat beautifully and actually tastes better the next day.
- How do I make this less sweet? Cut back on the ketchup slightly and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for balance.
- Can I double the recipe for a crowd? Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and increase the simmer time slightly to ensure everything heats through.
- What kind of buns work best? Sesame seed buns are traditional, but brioche or potato rolls are delicious too.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours.
More Classic Ground Beef Recipes to Love
- Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni
- Patty Melt with Burger Sauce
- Homemade Meatloaf
- Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Classic Salisbury Steak
- Sloppy Joes Nachos with Homemade Cheese Sauce
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes come together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and deliver that nostalgic, saucy flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this one hits the mark every time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 white onion, minced
- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Break up the meat as it browns.
- Once nearly cooked through, if there’s too much grease, drain some off now.
- Add the minced onions.
- Sauté the onions with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, water, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot on toasted sesame seed buns. Add cheese, if desired.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Minced onion adds texture and sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Simmering helps the flavors meld—don’t rush it.
- Adjust the mustard or Worcestershire to taste if you want it tangier or richer.
- Add a slice of cheese to the bun before topping with meat for a melty finish.
- Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers reheat well and are even better the next day.
- You can freeze the sloppy joe mixture—just cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
- Great served with pickles, coleslaw, or potato chips on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
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