Published January 2, 2024.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe is made from scratch and served with caramelized onions and pickles for the ultimate sandwich. These are much easier to make than you may have thought, so learn how simple it is to do right from your kitchen.
If you’re like me, you grew up eating sloppy joe sandwiches as it’s a great simple weeknight meal for the family.Instead of popping a can of who knows what’s in there, learn how to make it from scratch.It’s way more delicious and easier than you’re thinking, and if you love cooking with ground beef, then definitely check out my meatloaf recipe or my loco moco.
Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joe is a simple American dish of seared ground beef with tomatoes and seasonings that is commonly served on a bun or as an open- sandwich. My recipe is homemade, and the flavors are far superior to anything pre-made. In addition,
This recipe has been around since the 1950s and was created by a cook named Joe at a restaurant in Sioux City, Iowa, who put a bit of tomato sauce onto some ground beef, served it up on a bun, and called it a “sloppy joe.” It’s also messy to eat, so the name works perfectly.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fat – You can use avocado oil, olive oil, lard, or beef tallow.
- Ground Beef – I prefer a fattier, more flavorful beef like 80/20 ground chuck. However, you can lean to fat-ratio beef if you like.
- Peppers – I used red and yellow bell peppers. You can also use green peppers.
- Garlic – A few minced garlic cloves bring out many flavors in this Sloppy Joe.
- Tomato Puree – You can puree fresh or canned tomatoes or purchase them already pureed.
- Tomato Paste – Plain tomato paste is needed to help thicken the mixture.
- Mustard – Yellow is best, but you can use Dijon if you want something zestier.
- Brown Sugar – I used light brown sugar, but dark brown can also be used.
- Worcestershire Sauce – There is no replacement for this.
- Vinegar – White distilled vinegar works great. However, you can use apple cider or even red wine vinegar.
- Chili Powder – I used regular chili powder. However, you can use a spicier chili powder like Chipotle.
How to Make a Sloppy Joe
- Sweat some garlic and bell peppers in some oil in a large pot.
- Add in your beef and cook until all the pink is gone.
- Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder, and simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish with salt and pepper and serve on a bun. I recommend taking this further and adding all the delicious toppings I did, such as cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: This is meant to be eaten when it’s done cooking. However, keep it warm and covered over low heat for up to 30 minutes before serving.
How to Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw for 1 day in the refrigerator before reheating it.
How to Reheat: Add the desired amount of sloppy joe into a saucepan and cook over low heat until hot. You can also heat it in the microwave until hot.
chef notes + tips
- This recipe makes a lot of sloppy joes, so please scale down or up to fit your needs.Place your cursor over the serving amount in the recipe card and slide up or down to scale.
- Try serving this with Southern Potato Salad or Pasta Salad.
- Manwich is a processed and canned sauce that has attempted to replicate the original sauce with its take. It can be purchased from the grocery store, but I can promise you the homemade version is far superior to this.
More Beef Recipes
- Smash Burger
- Picadillo
- Reuben Sandwich
- Beef Rouladen
- Mongolian Beef
Video
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Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe
5 from 54 votes
This homemade sloppy joe recipe is much easier to make than you may have thought, so learn how simple it is to do right from your kitchen.
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 each seeded and small diced red and yellow bell peppers
- 6 finely minced cloves of garlic
- 4 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ heaping cup light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons distilled vinegar
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Sea salt and cracked pepper
- 10 buns
For the Toppings:
- caramelized onions
- dill or bread and butter pickles
- Colby jack cheese
- pepper jack cheese
Instructions
Add oil to a large pan over low to medium heat and sweat the peppers and garlic for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add in the ground beef, turn the heat to medium and cook until all of the pink is gone, about 7-9 minutes.
Next, pour the tomato puree, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, and chili powder and simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in salt and pepper and serve on buns with optional toppings.
Notes
Make-Ahead: This is meant to be eaten when it’s done cooking. However, keep it warm and covered over low heat for up to 30 minutes before serving.
How to Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw for 1 day in the refrigerator before reheating it.
How to Reheat: Add the desired amount of sloppy joe into a saucepan and cook over low heat until hot. You can also heat it in the microwave until hot.
This recipe makes a lot of sloppy joes, so please scale down or up to fit your needs. Place your cursor over the serving amount in the recipe card and slide up or down to scale.
Try serving this with Southern Potato Salad or Pasta Salad.
Manwich is a processed and canned sauce that has attempted to replicate the original sauce with its take. It can be purchased from the grocery store, but I can promise you the homemade version is far superior to this.
Nutrition
Calories: 702kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 38gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 574mgPotassium: 869mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 795IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 16mg
Course: lunch, Main
Cuisine: American
Author: Chef Billy Parisi
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86 comments
- Karin
These were a hit with my family! Had added some spicy smoked paprika, but otherwise kept to the recipe. Served on homemade kimmelweck buns with red onions/mushrooms and the two cheeses. My son took leftovers to work. Thank you for an excellent version of sloppy joes!
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Excellent!
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- Susan
Making this tonight, one of my favorites, can’t wait to eat!!!!
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- Keith Huff
Great sloppy Joe recipe. Made it just like you laid it out. Enjoy watching your videos and trying several of your recipes.
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- Randy Rudeen
This is an amazing recipe for Sloppy Joe’s. I did not change a single thing about this recipe, I believe it is a great balance of flavors. I do think that, adding some topping like pickles or pickled cabbage works well. Also, I did toast my buns with a little bit of butter/mayo and garlic. Well done Chef Parisi!
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- Vicki Burns
Hi Billy! I made this for my family over the weekend and it was a huge hit! I did tweak some of the flavors by adding more worcestershire, brown sugar and even added some chili garlic sauce – but everyone really loved it! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
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- Silvia
Thank you Billy this recipe was the bomb. Definitely on my list to make again snd again!!!
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- Kenneth
Swcond time making this and rave reviews each time. I did add onions and used ground wagu beef.
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- Jeanne
I made this yesterday for my family – it was a BIG hit. The sloppy joes by themselves (my SIL’s name is Joe!) are delicious but when I saw the pickles, the cheeses and caramelized onions!! Whew, that just took it to another level! I will make these over and over. And btw, I’m so happy I have some leftovers. I wish I would have taken a photo. We were hungry.
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- Susan Herndon
I love the sloppy joes. The recipe is easy, quick, and great on sour dough bread.
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- Mary
I haven’t had Sloppy Joes in years! I made this recipe and loved it. Super easy. Spread the word Chef Parisi. Many should try this.
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- Bob Privett
Wow! This takes sloppy joes to another level! Sorry Manwich.
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- Gretchen
I’m definitely going to make this. Cold weather calls for sloppy Joe’s and potato salad. Thank you for this recipe.
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- Pat hNLEY
Chef, made this last night. FANTASTIC! Best sloppy Joe I ever had. Thanks for the recipe
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- Stephen Lawrence Sawyer
I read the ingredients and ran. LOL. I actually decried such recipe, I was wrong. This recipe is fantastic but too darn simple. Again, I was wrong. It may be the greatest recipe for cheap Manwich. It is that phenominal, please try then offer 5 stars. I was shocked but the tomatoed paste is imperative.
See AlsoCopycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets RecipeWe Tested 4 Famous French Onion Soup Recipes and Found a Clear WinnerEasy German Pork Schnitzel Recipe - The Foodie AffairTOP 10 Most Popular Ukrainian Recipes - Cook.me RecipesAgain, a simple recipe that exceeded my expectations. Thank you.
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- sue
Thank you chef Billy hubby love this tasty sloppy Jo recipe 😁😋🤩👋
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- Donna A Pollock
Simple and very delicious as usual for you Chef Billy. We have this when time is up and everyone is starving. I usually have all the ingredients on hand so we make this on about once a month…unless it is summer time then we have it a little bit more.
The Family likes them a lot.- Reply
- Kim Rae Trueworthy-Lemire
These were so yummy. I half the recipe for just two of us and we still were able to have it couple days in a row. I like to sweet pickle and my other half likes the dill. Thank you for the recipe I will be making again.
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- Joan L
I will NEVER open another can of that stuff! Easy to adjust the sweetness and saltiness. Great flavors!
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- Peggy Blanton
Have made …easy snd so delicious. A comfort food .
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- Sheila Jackson
A quick and tasty recipe for the family. Chef Billy never disappoints!
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- Marian Cook
I love you suggestions and recipes!
Thank you!💕💕- Reply
- Vickie K Toalson
The best sloppy joes that I have ever had.
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- Deanna Reyes
Absolutely delicious recipe and so very easy!
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- SD
It’s an awesome recipe! Natural ingredients with plenty of flavor and doesn’t taste like something made from a Manwich can. Chef nails this one on ALL FRONTS!
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- Cheryl Bush
I love the taste, and all the assorted peppers in it!
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so good!!
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- Regina Mudge
Delicious, and so easy!
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so good!!
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- Adriana Prasch
I have made this recipe several times.
My family just enjoys this recipe for sloppy joes.- Reply
- Smith Ritchie
This is a VERY tasty sloppy joe recipe. I have made it several times and I can’t stop eating it. Do yourself a favor and try this one, you won’t regret it!
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awesome!
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- Batb
These sloppy joes were excellent! Everyone loved them at the party …. Enjoyed putting pickles on them.
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- Lisa Albers
So much better than any other SJ. Billy, your pickled red onions are perfect with this SJ!
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awesome!
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- Shirley
Haven’t made these yet, but I am sure we will love them. I put in to the servings for 6 and just how much is 0.15 heaping cup of light brown sugar. I have never heard of this measurement before. Thank you for all your great recipes.
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roughly 2 teaspoons. Figure 16 tbsp per cup.
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- Shilah Stover
I made these last night as my husband asked specifically for it. He hates the pre-canned version but absolutely devoured this!
Easy to make doesn’t even come close to describing this recipe. I will absolutely be making it again!- Reply
- Lisa Barringer
Just used this recipe at a church fundraising event and fed about 60 people. Some even came back for seconds. Several people remarked on how good they were. Thanks for the great recipe.
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Denise
Made this recipe today. Delicious! I topped it with Carmelized onions and smoked Gouda cheese.
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fantastic!
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- Maria Villasenor
By far the best sloppy Joes I have made. In laws loved and asked for more to take home.
Husband loved taking it for lunch and co-workers loved.
All ingredients from my daily pantry use.- Reply
appreciate you trying it
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- Catherine Millis
Love your food!
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thank you so kindly!!
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- Debbi Pittman
I made this and it was great! It’s definitely going in my rotation. Thank you!
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excellent!
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- Dennis
This is one great tasting recipe . We had it on open face Texas Toast and it was a hit with the family. Thanks Chef Parisi for sharing.
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My pleasure!
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- Liaa
This was so good! Easy, easy, easy and delicious!!!
Thank you for sharing and thank you for teaching techniques! It’s is greatly appreciated. I hope you and your family have a blessed weekend!- Reply
thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Dana Bianco
I grew up on sloppy Joe’s. This recipe is fantastic and elevates the old family recipe! Thank you, Chef Billy!
Thank you!
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My pleasure!
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- Maria villasenor
I made this last week and it was sooo good, husband and in laws loved. It was just gorgeous. This is going to be and staple for now on!!!
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Amazing!
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- Trent Mull
This is a great recipe! I make this a couple of times a month! very yummy! I often replace the bell peppers with Anaheim Peppers. Always turns out amazing!
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Awesome
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- Sue
Was delicious
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Thank you!
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- Cathie
Love this recipe, I took one reader’s suggestion below and added a tablespoon and a half of tomato paste, wow, made a huge difference. I also added onions and pickles to the recipe instead of at the end. Incredible goodness yum!
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Nice
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- Mary
Best sloppy Joe’s I have ever made and I have tried a lot of recipes!!
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Love it!
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- Tom Brennan
This recipe popped up on FB, so I had to make it. Glad I watched the video as it needed the tomato paste. Onions added a great crunch and flavor, wife says this is a keeper
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Amazing!
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- Jennifer Dyer
Delicious, easy… unfortunately, no leftovers- they cleaned the pot out, every drop! Shouldn’t the ground beef be drained after browning?
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Love it. If you’d like, you can. I don’t.
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- Bill Hahnel
We have one of our best friends who is currently undergoing Chemo Thermotherapy Treatments for Cancer. We asked if she had a favorite comfort food we could bring by? She requested Sloppy Joe’s with tatar tots! Made your recipe to a T. we all loved it. Getting towards the end of her treatment we invited our friends over for dinner.
Any requests?
“Yes, can you do a repeat of your Sloppy Joe’s!”
Her husband took out his phone and took a picture of your recipe!- Reply
Thanks for sharing this story, glad everyone enjoyed it!
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- Jim Thompson
This also makes a great hot dog topping.
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Great idea!
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- Sophie Kenney
This recipe is great! My husband even likes it. I’ve made this a couple of times. I half the recipe since it’s just the two of us. Only had it out of a can growing up. Delicious.
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- Missy
Delicious! Butter pickles, caramelized onions cheese and brioche buns ! Kid approved ! Two thumbs up!
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- Susan
I made this recipe of yours tonight Chef Billy Parisi and it was outstanding!
I made a few tweaks (I can never just let a recipe ‘be’). But they were minor tweaks. I diced onion and sautéd it with the bell pepper. I cooked the meat separately (drained off the fat) then added back in the sautéd peppers and onions then added the garlic. The grocery was out of tomato puree. So I pureed a can of diced tomatoes. I added some tomato paste. But what I really liked was the addition of white vinegar, Worcester sauce and mustard. It was these additions that made it taste like sloppy joes.
I can’t do chili powder so instead I used dijon mustard instead of regular. And besides black pepper I added some Lawry’s Garlic Salt made with course salt (I think it’s sea salt). This spice is a favorite of mine. And I plated it on 2 halves of browned brioche slider buns. It was perfect!
I only used 1 lb of meat so of course I used less of all of the other ingredients too. And now I have several days of leftover sloppy joes that isn’t overly salty and filled with extra preservatives, etc that I don’t need.
This recipe is a keeper! Thanks so much!- Reply
- Susan
Two days ago I froze my sloppy joes leftovers in three small containers i tried it for lunch yesterday on a toasted piece of sourdough bread. The bread was too tough to cut with a fork.
Today I ate 1 small container of it while I waited 20 min for some puff pastry to cook. Then I made a sandwich with the last small container and a small piece of cooked puff pastry. It was EVEN BETTER than previously. With some really good locally grown bread and butter pickles in a side dish. SO GOOD!
Again, THIS RECIPE IS A KEEPER!
Good chance I will make it again soon.
Thanks once more! Keep your tasty recipes coming!!!- Reply
- Gina Mansour
Your video shows you adding tomato paste, but it’s not in the ingredients?
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it’s optional, and only if it needs to be thickened.
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- Marlene Lapera
I just love all your recipes Thank you!
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- Marcia Barry
You are an interesting and excellent chef. I enjoy your ingredients and methods. Your personality makes watching you so much ffun. I’m so happy i found you. Can’t wait to see you again.
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- Caryn
So delicious with the onions on top ! Very yummy!
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- Gail
I just made this today and it is delicious. I made the full recipe with four pounds of meat. I plan to freeze the leftovers for an easier dinner down the road. That is if we have leftovers. So glad I found your site. Next I am going to make your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Cold and rainy here and I think this chicken soup is what we need. Thanks again for all your wonderful recipes.
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- Rachael Yerkes
the best sloppy joes ever!
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- Lisalia
Delicious! And super easy. Who thought sloppy joes could be like this? I’m never making it with canned tomato sauce + ketchup again – this has a great depth of flavor + texture!
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- wilhelmina
This is so much better than anything from a can! My family gobbled it up in a flash!
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