Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with these 20 delicious and easy sloppy joe recipes! Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. From classic homemade versions to innovative twists featuring bacon, cheese, pineapple, and more, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and spicy or smoky and savory, there’s a sloppy joe recipe here that’s sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouthwatering sloppy joe recipes that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. From vegetarian options to meat-lovers’ delights, these recipes showcase a wide range of flavors and textures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to dig in!
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food that’s perfect for casual gatherings or family meals. This recipe yields tender, flavorful ground beef sandwiches with a tangy ketchup-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef mixture and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Bacon Sloppy Joes
This recipe takes classic sloppy joes to the next level by adding smoky BBQ flavor and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
5. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Taco Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with this creative take that combines the comfort of traditional sloppy joes with the bold flavors and excitement of tacos. This recipe is perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal or a fun twist on a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 taco-sized hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Add diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let sauce thicken slightly.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Serve sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Sloppy Joes
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Sloppy Joes: A twist on classic sloppy joes that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a spicy kick!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp pineapple juice
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh pineapple and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve on slider buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joes
A twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe, this vegetarian version is packed with fiber-rich lentils and flavorful spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns or rolls
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the lentils, diced bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Add the canned diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
7. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
8. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns or rolls.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this bold and flavorful twist on traditional sloppy joes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground chicken over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Split hamburger buns in half and toast in oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Spoon buffalo chicken mixture onto buns and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Mustard Turkey Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with this sweet and tangy twist, featuring tender turkey and a rich maple mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve the turkey mixture on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pulled Pork Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes just got a whole lot heartier with the addition of tender pulled pork. This recipe combines the comfort of slow-cooked pork with the classic flavors of a Sloppy Joe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns or hoagie rolls
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook pork in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer mixture to the preheated oven and slow-cook for 2-3 hours, or until pork is tender.
6. Shred pork with two forks.
7. In a large skillet, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
8. Add shredded pork and stir to coat.
9. Serve on hamburger buns or hoagie rolls.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (slow-cooking) + 10 minutes (preparing and serving)
Jalapeño Popper Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with the bold flavors of jalapeños and cream cheese. This unique recipe combines the comfort of a classic sloppy joe with the spicy kick of a jalapeño popper.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 8-10 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Soft buns or hoagie rolls for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped jalapeños. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve sloppy joe mixture on soft buns or hoagie rolls.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek-Inspired Sloppy Joes with Feta
Greek-Inspired Sloppy Joes with Feta
Experience the bold flavors of Greece in a twist on the classic sloppy joe. This recipe combines ground beef, sweet onions, and tangy feta cheese for a savory and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, and dried oregano.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and place on a baking sheet.
7. Spoon the beef mixture onto the buns and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes
This recipe takes the familiar sloppy joe and gives it a bold Korean BBQ flavor profile, perfect for adventurous eaters. With the sweet and spicy flavors of gochujang and soy sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the beef broth and water to the skillet, stirring to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pizza-Style Sloppy Joes
This recipe takes the classic sloppy joe and gives it a pizza-inspired twist, adding flavors of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasonings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, sliced bell peppers, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Split hamburger buns in half and toast in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Spoon sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Add optional toppings, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
Sweet Hawaiian Sloppy Joes: A Twist on a Classic Recipe!
This recipe adds a sweet and tangy twist to the classic sloppy joe, perfect for a Hawaiian-inspired gathering or everyday meal. With its unique combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns and garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loaded Nacho Sloppy Joes
Get ready for a twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe! This loaded nacho version combines the comfort of a sloppy joe with the excitement of loaded nachos.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned tomato sauce
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast or grill until lightly browned.
6. Spoon the loaded nacho sloppy joe mixture onto the buns.
7. Top with shredded cheese and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sandwich game with these Smoky Chipotle Sloppy Joes, infused with the deep flavors of chipotle peppers and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Sloppy Joes
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this sweet and savory take on traditional sloppy joes. The combination of teriyaki sauce and ground beef will have your guests asking for the recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 4 hamburger buns
– Shredded carrots and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger to the skillet. Stir until combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Serve the Teriyaki Sloppy Joes on hamburger buns and garnish with shredded carrots and green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Experience the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a new and exciting way with these deliciously sloppy joes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 soft hoagie rolls
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hoagie rolls.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ranch Chicken Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with the addition of creamy ranch flavors and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun twist on a party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup ranch seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 hamburger buns or soft flour tortillas
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve on hamburger buns or soft flour tortillas.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Sloppy Joes
Looking for a flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe? This recipe combines the spicy kick of sriracha with the comforting warmth of ground beef and soft buns. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in Sriracha sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to dive into a world of flavors with these 20 delicious and easy sloppy joe recipes! From classic homemade sloppy joes to BBQ bacon, cheesy taco, sweet and spicy pineapple, vegetarian lentil, buffalo chicken, maple mustard turkey, pulled pork, jalapeño popper, Greek-inspired, Korean BBQ, pizza-style, sweet Hawaiian, loaded nacho, garlic parmesan, smoky chipotle, teriyaki, Philly cheesesteak, ranch chicken, and spicy Sriracha sloppy joes. Discover the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds and impress your friends and family!
