Name: Ultimate Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean works well); 15 oz can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 4 hamburger buns

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something undeniably comforting about a messy, saucy sandwich loaded with beefy goodness and vibrant veggies, and that’s exactly what you’re in for with these Ultimate Sloppy Joes. Vibrant bell peppers, savory ground beef, a deeply flavorful sauce, and melty cheddar come together in this nostalgic classic that’s always a hit, whether you’re serving it up for a quick family dinner or game day get-together. Sticky fingers are guaranteed, but every bite is worth it!

Ultimate Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you make Ultimate Sloppy Joes, you’ll be surprised by how a few humble ingredients transform into something crave-worthy. Each one plays its part, lending flavor, texture, and even a pop of color that takes these sandwiches far beyond basic.

Olive oil: Adds a rich dimension and helps soften the veggies and brown the beef
Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and a touch of bite that infuses the sauce with depth
Green bell pepper: For classic Sloppy Joe crunch and a hint of fresh earthiness
Garlic: Two cloves for an aromatic punch that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible
Lean ground beef: 90% lean keeps things rich but not greasy – perfect texture, perfect flavor
Tomato sauce: The base of the savory, tangy, slightly sweet sauce
Brown sugar: Rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds an addictively subtle sweetness
Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon, but it’s the secret to that deep umami finish
Cider vinegar: Brightens everything up and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy
Chili powder: Adds warmth and a gentle kick that keeps you coming back for bite after bite
Salt: Elevates all the flavors, so don’t be shy—taste as you go!
Smoked paprika: Smokiness makes these Ultimate Sloppy Joes unforgettable
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of sharpness to balance the sweetness
Cheddar cheese: Melts gloriously over the meat for that extra ooey-gooey factor
Hamburger buns: Soft, squishy buns are classic, but toasting them takes everything up a notch

How to Make Ultimate Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. As the beef cooks, break it up with a spoon so you’ve got plenty of craggy bits to soak up that sauce later. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is deeply browned and the veggies are perfectly softened. If your beef released a lot of grease (sometimes it happens!), just drain off the excess so your Ultimate Sloppy Joes aren’t too oily.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Bombs

Now the real personality of these Ultimate Sloppy Joes starts to shine! Pour in the tomato sauce, scatter in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. As you stir everything together, be sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan—nothing gets left behind! This is where everything melds into that signature Sloppy Joe taste.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thick and Saucy

Bring your Sloppy Joe mixture to a gentle simmer, then dial down the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture bubble away for about 15 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks. The sauce will gradually thicken into that perfect, spoonable consistency. If it gets a little too thick, just add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, let it cook a dribble longer with the lid off. Don’t forget to taste for seasoning—you might like it with an extra pinch of salt!

Step 4: Assemble Your Ultimate Sloppy Joes

For maximum deliciousness, toast those buns lightly in a skillet or the oven. Then, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each bun (it’ll get beautifully melty!). Spoon the rich, fragrant Sloppy Joe mixture generously on top, then cap with the other half of the bun. Dive in while everything’s hot and gooey!

How to Serve Ultimate Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

Go classic with a few extra slices of cheddar melted on top, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of chopped green onions, a tangle of crispy fried onions, or a handful of sliced pickled jalapeños for an extra pop. A little fresh parsley or cilantro can bring some brightness that cuts the richness just right.

Side Dishes

Ultimate Sloppy Joes beg to be paired with crunchy, salty sides. Think crispy fries, potato chips, or a cool and creamy coleslaw to balance all that saucy, savory goodness. Baked beans or roasted veggies are great if you want to add a touch of comfort with a nod to healthier eating.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up and make an open-faced Ultimate Sloppy Joe with a knife and fork, or pile the filling on slider buns for a party tray everyone will rave about. For a twist, try the mixture over baked potatoes, tater tots, or even as a topping for nachos—you truly can’t go wrong!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve had your fill of Ultimate Sloppy Joes, store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and if anything, the flavors might develop even more overnight!

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer dream! Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container (just skip the buns and cheese for now). It’ll keep well frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge and you’re halfway to dinner.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen it if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to make sure everything heats evenly. Toast fresh buns, add cheese, and enjoy Ultimate Sloppy Joes as if they were just made!

FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Sloppy Joes with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in Ultimate Sloppy Joes. You may want to add a little extra olive oil and keep an eye on the seasoning since those meats are a bit leaner and milder than beef.

Are Ultimate Sloppy Joes spicy?

The recipe has just a mild warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but they’re not what most people would call spicy. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with pickled jalapeños for kick!

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling for these Ultimate Sloppy Joes can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It reheats very well and is a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

Toasting the buns adds flavor and structure, but if you want to go the extra mile, put a layer of cheese on the bottom before piling on the meat. The cheese acts as a barrier and helps keep the buns sturdier.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Yes, Ultimate Sloppy Joes are super flexible! Double the batch for a crowd (just use a bigger skillet or cook in batches), or cut it in half for a smaller meal without any trouble.

Final Thoughts

These Ultimate Sloppy Joes are more than just a sandwich—they’re a guaranteed trip down memory lane, packed with cozy flavors and a little bit of fun. Give them a try next time you want something hearty, low-fuss, and totally satisfying. You’ll be glad you did!

Ultimate Sloppy Joes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

These Ultimate Sloppy Joes are a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with a savory and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce loaded with ground beef, onions, and peppers, these sloppy joes are sure to satisfy any appetite.

Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Add ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Simmer: Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes until thickened.
Assemble: Toast hamburger buns, place a slice of cheese on each bun, and spoon the sloppy joe mixture on top.