If you grew up loving Sloppy Joes, this homemade version is about to become a weekly staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, cozy, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry — no canned mix needed!
This is one of those dinners that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or those nights when you just want something comforting without spending all evening in the kitchen. My family loves this recipe, and it’s one I can feel good about serving.
⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Everything cooks in one skillet in about 15 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy — just classic flavors.
- Family Approved: Even the picky eaters come back for seconds.
- Customize It: Make it sweeter, tangier, or even a little spicy.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce optional, for a saucier mix
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
🍳 How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
1. Cook the beef.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add onion + garlic.
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onions soften and everything smells amazing.
3. Mix in the sauce.
Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer.
Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for 5–10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the beef perfectly.
5. Serve.
Spoon onto toasted buns, slider rolls, baked potatoes, or even over rice for a quick meal.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- On classic hamburger buns
- In slider rolls for kids or parties
- Over baked sweet potatoes for a healthier twist
- Spoon over rice or quinoa bowls
- Serve with a simple side salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted veggies
🔄 Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly forgiving! Try adding:
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Diced bell peppers for more veggies
- A spoonful of BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness
🥡 Storage
Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave
Homemade Sloppy Joe’s
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 chopped Onion
- 3 Cloves garlic, mined
- 3/4 Cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Can tomato sauce
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown beef and onions in skillet, drain.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve on buns or sweet potato.
