These Homemade Sloppy Joes are the ultimate messy sandwich—saucy, savory, and full of bold, smoky flavor.
Forget the can! With just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can whip up a hearty dinner that the whole family will devour.
It’s weeknight comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich, smoky flavor – thanks to tomato paste, spices, and Dijon mustard.
No canned sauce – made entirely from scratch with real ingredients.
Perfectly balanced – sweet, tangy, savory, and a little kick.
Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes.
Great for leftovers – even better the next day!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – 90/10 lean gives the right amount of richness.
Onion & bell pepper – add sweetness and texture to the filling.
Tomato paste & ketchup – bring body and tang to the sauce.
Dijon mustard & Worcestershire – for zip and umami depth.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar – balances the acidity and spice.
Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne – give smoky warmth and just a hint of heat.
Beef stock – adds moisture and flavor to simmer it all together.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a cast iron skillet for the best caramelization and depth of flavor.
Brown the beef first and drain excess fat for a cleaner sauce.
Don’t rush the simmer—15–20 minutes melds all the flavors together.
Taste before serving and adjust salt, sugar, or heat to your liking.
Serve on toasted buns for better texture and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned.
Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Add Flavor Base
Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne.
Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in beef stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thickened
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately—napkins required!
What to Serve It With
Toasted hamburger buns or brioche rolls
Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
Coleslaw or pickles for crunch
A simple green salad for balance
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
Add hot sauce or extra cayenne for more spice
Swap Dijon for yellow mustard for a classic twist
Add shredded cheddar on top for cheesy sloppy joes
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
Freeze sloppy joe filling for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating
Great for meal prep—double the batch and enjoy later in the week
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors only get better after sitting. Make ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best bun for sloppy joes?
Soft sandwich buns or brioche rolls hold up well and soak up the sauce nicely.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne and chili powder, but you can adjust to your preference.
Can I leave out the sugar?
You can reduce or omit it, but a little sugar helps balance the tanginess.
What sides go best with sloppy joes?
Fries, chips, slaw, salad—or even mac and cheese for total comfort food.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes, but you may need to add extra sugar and vinegar to replicate ketchup’s flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet and extend simmer time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Sloppy Joes are saucy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a nostalgic dinner idea, this from-scratch version beats the canned stuff every time.
Messy, hearty, and delicious—just the way a sloppy joe should be.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and cook until browned, 3–5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Cook 1 minute.
- Pour in beef stock and scrape the pan.
- Add ketchup, Dijon, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and sugar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/homemade-sloppy-joes/
