Sloppy Joe’s
There's something irresistibly comforting about a Sloppy Joe. It’s messy, packed with flavor, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or just indulging in some nostalgic childhood memories, this classic sandwich has remained a go-to in my house.
The Origins of Sloppy Joe
Despite its widespread popularity, the true origins of the Sloppy Joe are somewhat of a mystery. Some claim it was invented in the 1930s by a cook named Joe at a Havana, Cuba, diner, where the original recipe consisted of ground beef and a spicy sauce served on bread. Others say it was created in the U.S., with several competing stories — some suggesting a cook named Joe at a small café in Sioux City, Iowa, and others pointing to the invention of the Sloppy Joe at a diner in Key West, Florida.
Regardless of where it began, what’s clear is that this sandwich, a mix of seasoned ground beef served on a bun, quickly became a household name and comfort food favorite.
What’s in a Sloppy Joe?
The beauty of a Sloppy Joe lies in its simplicity. There are lots of ways to customize your sloppy joe, but the main ingredients are ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce made from tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. The result is a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy filling that oozes from between two soft buns, creating the perfect messy, mouth-watering sandwich. If you want to make it your own, you can add ingredients like garlic, chili powder, or mustard for extra depth.
Here’s my favorite way to make homemade Sloppy Joe:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 15oz can of tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Hamburger buns
Instructions:
In a large skillet or dutch oven, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion bell pepper to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
While the meat cooks, in a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir until combined
Add the garlic and stir. Stir in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens up.
Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Why We Love Sloppy Joe's
Nostalgic Comfort: For many, the Sloppy Joe is a meal that takes them back to childhood. It’s one of those comforting dishes that reminds us of family dinners, school lunches, and the good old days when eating with your hands was the best part of the meal.
Easy to Make: It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Ground beef is always in my freezer and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples that I always have on hand. This makes it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or feeding a large group.
Customizable: The beauty of Sloppy Joe’s is that you can make it your own. Want it spicier? Add some hot sauce or chili flakes. Prefer a healthier option? Use lean turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. You can even change the bread – sliders, hoagie rolls, or even cornbread are great alternatives. I also like it over a bowl of white rice.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, a game night, or just feeding your family, Sloppy Joe’s are always a hit. They’re hearty, satisfying, and so delicious that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Sloppy Joe Variations to Try
Sloppy Joe Sliders: Make individual sliders for a party or a fun twist on a family dinner. They’re easier to eat (and less messy) while still packing all the flavor of the classic.
Sloppy Joe Nachos: Layer some tortilla chips with the sloppy joe mixture and top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a fun, Tex-Mex twist on the traditional.
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers: Instead of serving the Sloppy Joe mix in buns, hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the savory filling for a healthier alternative.
BBQ Sloppy Joe: Replace the ketchup and brown sugar with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy version of the classic.
Sloppy Joe Bowl: I also make this and serve it over a bowl of white rice with a side of roasted zucchini or broccoli.
Sloppy Joe's
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 15oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion bell pepper to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- While the meat cooks, in a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir until combined
- Add the garlic and stir. Stir in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens up.
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
