These Sloppy Joes are a quick and easy win any night of the week.
Seasoned ground beef is simmered to perfection in a slightly sweet, slightly tangy sauce and piled high on a classic bun.
I’ve tried a lot of sloppy joes — in my opinion, these are the best homemade sloppy joes I’ve tried yet!
I especially love to serve these as sloppy joe bowls, tossed with roasted potatoes, fresh greens, and a bunch of toppings.
You just can’t go wrong with this classic meal.
Why KJ Loves
The Best Sloppy Joes
“It’s a big, juicy, messy burger!” How can you not love the classic sloppy joe?! I love all the flavor that is packed into this sloppy joe along with all the childhood memories that come flooding back once you take a bite. Sometimes you just need a good, old fashioned sloppy joe!
Certified Piedmontese 93/7 Ground Beef
This post and recipe is sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. All words and photographs are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make KJ & Company possible!
For these sloppy joes, I’m using Certified Piedmontese 93/7 ground beef. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Comes from the rare Piedmontese cattle breed, known for lean, tender meat
- Super lean (97% lean, 3% fat) without sacrificing flavor
- Raised responsibly in the Midwest without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids
- Packed with protein and lower in calories than typical ground beef
- Comes in convenient 1-pound packages for easy meal prep
Using this lean ground beef means I don’t have to drain excess fat when I make these sloppy joes. Plus, it feels good knowing I’m supporting a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices.
Don’t worry if you’re not local to Nebraska – Certified Piedmontese offers online ordering with free shipping on larger orders!
The Best Sloppy Joe Ingredients
- Certified Piedmontese 93/7 Ground Beef
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Onion (chopped)
- Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
- Garlic (chopped)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt & Pepper
- Ketchup
- Tomato Sauce
- Brown Sugar
Serving the Best Sloppy Joes
For the best classic sloppy joes, serve on sesame seed hamburger buns.
I also love to make sloppy joe bowls with a bed of greens and French fries (or roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes). Then, I pile on all my favorite toppings!
Here are some fun topping ideas: chopped onions, pickled jalapeños, pickles, cheese, potato chips…just to name a few!
Best Sides With Sloppy Joes
What should you eat with sloppy joes?
Think classic sides — like Classic Potato Salad, Garlic Herb Grilled Corn, and Summer Fruit Salad.
Don’t forget a summery drink like Strawberry Orange Mojitos and a cold dessert like S’mores Icebox Cake.
Easy Serving Tips
Make-Ahead Sloppy Joes
This recipe is easy to make in advance and heat up (it’s also the perfect leftover dinner!). To reheat, throw the prepared sloppy joe mix in the microwave or heat it on the stovetop.
Feeding a Crowd
Make a double batch and move the sloppy joe mix to a slow cooker to keep it warm.
Sloppy Joe FAQs
Can I use a different color bell pepper?
You can use any other color of bell pepper you have on hand!
What is the sloppy joe sauce made of?
My sloppy joe sauce combines ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. This blend creates the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
How do you doctor up sloppy joes?
One of my favorite ways to elevate sloppy joes is to serve them as sloppy joe bowls. Start with a bed of fresh greens and crispy French fries or roasted potatoes. Then, pile on the sloppy joe mix and add your favorite toppings. Try chopped onions, pickled jalapeños, dill pickles, shredded cheese, or even crushed potato chips for extra crunch.
What do you eat with sloppy joes?
Sloppy joes pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them with sweet potato fries or mac and cheese. Don’t forget the pickles on the side!
Other Sloppy Joe Recipes
- Turkey Sloppy Joes — another lean, healthy option!
- Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes, for a cheesy twist
- BBQ Braised Short-Rib Sloppy Joes — an unconventional but delicious variation!
The Best Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Sloppy Joes are a quick and easy win any night of the week. Seasoned ground beef is simmered to perfection in a slightly sweet, slightly tangy sauce and piled high on a classic bun.I’ve tried a lot of sloppy joes — in my opinion, these are the best homemade sloppy joes I’ve tried yet! I especially love to serve these as sloppy joe bowls, tossed with roasted potatoes, fresh greens, and a bunch of toppings. You just can’t go wrong with this classic meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Certified Piedmontese Grass Fed, Grass Finished 93/7 Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef into the skillet and gently break up and allow to brown for about 5-8 minutes.
- Add in the onion, bell pepper, garlic and Worcestershire sauce and sauté for a few minutes more. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Add in the ketchup and stir to combine, until the beef mixture is coated. Pour in the tomato sauce and add in the brown sugar. Stir to evenly combine.
- Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat. Serve on your favorite hamburger buns or turn into sloppy joe bowls with lettuce, potatoes and toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional information for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 432
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Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
