Sloppy Joe Recipe
Classic Sloppy Joe with ground beef, ketchup, brown sugar and spices. Ready quickly with tips for thickness, substitutions, storage and reheating.
This Sloppy Joe recipe was given to us by a former employee (still current friend) Dan Gassert. This is the best Sloppy Joe I've ever tasted.
Yield: 6 servings
- Make the sauce first, then brown the beef and stir the sauce in. Simmer at least 15 minutes for best flavor.
- Use fresh or powdered onion and garlic. Adjust water to control sauce thickness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 2–3 months. Reheat gently and thin with water if needed.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for this Sloppy Joe?
You need 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon chili powder or chili con carne, 1/2 cup water, and onion and garlic either powdered or fresh.
How do I make this Sloppy Joe step by step?
Mix all sauce ingredients except the meat and fresh onion or garlic. Brown the ground beef, add fresh onion and garlic if using, and drain fat. Stir in the sauce and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey or another meat instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work fine. Brown the meat the same way and drain excess fat if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning since lean meats can be milder.
How do I fix a sauce that is too thick or too thin?
If too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of water until you reach the right consistency. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Should I use powdered or fresh onion and garlic?
Both work. Powdered onion and garlic go into the sauce mix. If using fresh, add them when browning the meat: about 2 tablespoons chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove.
How long should I simmer the Sloppy Joe mixture?
Simmer for at least 15 minutes so flavors blend. For richer flavor let it simmer 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if it gets too thick.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
What ingredients do I need for this Sloppy Joe?
You need 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon chili powder or chili con carne, 1/2 cup water, and onion and garlic either powdered or fresh.
How do I make this Sloppy Joe step by step?
Mix all sauce ingredients except the meat and fresh onion or garlic. Brown the ground beef, add fresh onion and garlic if using, and drain fat. Stir in the sauce and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey or another meat instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work fine. Brown the meat the same way and drain excess fat if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning since lean meats can be milder.
How do I fix a sauce that is too thick or too thin?
If too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of water until you reach the right consistency. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Should I use powdered or fresh onion and garlic?
Both work. Powdered onion and garlic go into the sauce mix. If using fresh, add them when browning the meat: about 2 tablespoons chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove.
How long should I simmer the Sloppy Joe mixture?
Simmer for at least 15 minutes so flavors blend. For richer flavor let it simmer 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if it gets too thick.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
Very good, Will make again, very simple. Way better than bought mix. Even the Grandson liked it.
While trying to figure out what to make with hamburger, I decided to look up a sloppy joe recipe since I didn’t have a packet of sloppy joe mix, which I usually use. I was a little worried because my kids are so picky, but I made it and they loved it. I loved it too. Will be saving this for future sloppy joes. Thanks.
I’ve made this recipe several times,my family loves it, it’s the best I’ve ever had. I’ve made it with ground turkey, too, and no one can tell the difference!