From Scratch Sloppy Joe Recipe

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If you’ve ever had a cafeteria sloppy joe that made you swear off the dish forever, this homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe might just change your mind! Made with real, whole ingredients, this recipe delivers the saucy, savory comfort food you love, without the mystery meat or overly sweet sauce. Serve these on freshly baked buns (sourdough anyone?) for an irresistible meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whole Foods Ingredients

There are two things important to me when creating recipes. First, I want to use as few commercialized and junk ingredients as possible. Traditional sloppy joes are made using Ketchup, and I wanted to create a no-ketchup version because there are a lot of icky ingredients hidden in ketchup. Second, I need easy, fast and simple. This recipe whips up in 30 minutes flat!

Hidden Veggies

I am always looking to add a veggie or two to any dish, and Sloppy Joes are a great way to do that! Check out the ingredient list below for all the good veggies included in this sloppy joe recipe.

Kid Approved

Four out of four of my kiddos loved this recipe. Heck, I served this to my husband’s grandma and she was obsessed with it! Just make sure to set out extra napkins 😉

Ingredient List

Ground Beef

The heart of a classic sloppy joe! I use ground beef for its rich flavor and hearty texture, but you can swap in ground turkey for a leaner option. If you’re using a fattier cut, just drain off any excess grease before adding the sauce.

Onion

No Sloppy Joe is complete without a little onion action. Sweet onions are the best option (like a Vidalia onion or a Walla Walla onion), but a yellow or white onion will work as well. Avoid using a red onion for this recipe. 

Green Bell Pepper

If you’re not a green pepper fan, swap it out for red or yellow onion as well. 

Carrot

A little sneaky, but in the best way! Shredded carrot blends right into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and a boost of nutrients without anyone noticing. Plus, if you’re trying to sneak more veggies into a meal, this is an easy win!

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce gives sloppy joes their signature tang and richness. Many recipes use Ketchup, but I prefer using tomato sauce so I can control the ingredients better.

Worcestershire Sauce

Hard to pronounce but easy to love, Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor that makes the whole dish more savory. Just a couple of tablespoons bring a rich, almost smoky depth that you’d definitely miss if you skipped it!

Apple Cider Vinegar

A splash of apple cider vinegar keeps things from getting too sweet and adds a little zing to brighten up the sauce. It’s a small but mighty ingredient.

Dijon Mustard

Not just for sandwiches! Dijon adds a subtle tangy sharpness that balances the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard will do, but the flavor won’t be quite as complex.

Brown Sugar

Because a sloppy joe should have just the right amount of sweetness. Brown sugar gives the sauce that classic, slightly caramelized depth without being overpowering. Want to swap? Honey or maple syrup could work too, but they’ll bring their own unique twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown Meat

Grab a deep skillet (I love using cast iron for this) and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving to the next step.

Sautee Veggies

Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and shredded carrot. Stir everything around and let the veggies soften. After a few minutes, when the onions are looking translucent and your kitchen smells amazing, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds (because burnt garlic is nobody’s friend).

Add Sauce and seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, making sure everything is coated in that rich, tangy sauce. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to sneak in some red pepper flakes.

Let everything cook together

Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors a chance to blend, the sauce to thicken, and the whole thing to reach peak sloppy joe perfection. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, just let it simmer a little longer.

Serve

Spoon that saucy, savory goodness onto toasted buns (preferably homemade or sourdough!). Add pickles, cheese, or slaw if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in. Just have some napkins nearby—this meal lives up to its name!

Tips and Variations

Toast the Buns

A quick toast makes all the difference! It helps keep the bread from turning into a soggy mess and adds a little crispness that balances the saucy filling. Just pop them under the broiler for a minute or two or sear them in a dry skillet.

Make It Ahead

Sloppy joe filling only gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for a quick meal later. Just warm it up on the stove and you’re good to go!

Shred the Carrot Finely

The smaller the shreds, the more they disappear into the sauce. If you’re trying to sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing, use the fine side of a box grater. It adds just a touch of sweetness without changing the texture.

Let It Simmer

Patience pays off! Letting the mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes helps the flavors meld together and allows the sauce to thicken to that perfect sloppy joe consistency. If it’s looking too thick, a splash of water will loosen it up.

Try Different Serving Ideas

Classic buns are always a win, but this filling is just as good over baked potatoes, rice, or even spooned over tortilla chips for a sloppy joe-style nacho situation.

Neat Joe (No-Mess Sloppy Joe)

One of my kiddos hates getting messy. So I created the “Neat Joe” just for her. It’s essentially a Sloppy Joe in a bowl, with the hamburger buns toasted like croutons. Another option for those who prefer to leave the “sloppy” out of it would be a Sloppy Joe Casserole.

Sloppy Joe Recipe