Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
When it comes to quick, easy, and tasty family meals, sloppy joe sandwiches have long been a favorite. Make these easy sloppy joes for your family or scale the recipe up for a crowd!
When it comes to quick, easy, and satisfying family meals, sloppy joe sandwiches are hard to beat. This version sticks close to the classic—savory ground beef simmered in a simple tomato-based sauce that’s thick, rich, and just messy enough to live up to the name.
A Little Sloppy Joe History
The sloppy joe is generally traced to the Midwest in the early 1900s, when cooks started serving “loose meat” sandwiches—seasoned ground beef on a bun. A popular origin story points to Sioux City, Iowa, where a cook named Joe reportedly added tomato sauce to the mixture, creating the saucier version many people recognize today.
By the 1930s and 1940s, sloppy joes (and close cousins) were showing up in diners and school cafeterias because they were inexpensive, easy to scale, and reliably satisfying—everything you want from a simple family sandwich.
It’s an unfussy recipe that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for feeding a crowd. Serve it on toasted rolls, spoon it over baked potatoes, or keep it warm for game day—this is one of those dependable recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Serve sloppy joes with French fries or potato chips. Or add a side salad or cup of soup.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Classic flavor, no shortcuts. This recipe relies on pantry staples like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce instead of canned mixes, giving you full control over the seasoning and balance of flavors.
Thick, spoonable texture. A small amount of flour helps the sauce thicken as it simmers, so the filling stays on the bun instead of soaking straight through it.
Easy to scale up. This recipe doubles or triples easily, making it a great option for gatherings, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches.
Kid-friendly and customizable. The mild, familiar flavor appeals to kids, while adults can easily adjust the seasoning or add extras to suit their taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Vegetable oil: Helps prevent sticking and gives the beef a good start before the fat renders.
- Ground beef (85/15): This ratio provides enough fat for flavor without making the mixture greasy.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks with the beef.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the meat and buns.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and a subtle tang.
- Ketchup: Forms the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and acidity.
- Water: Loosens the sauce and allows it to simmer and thicken gradually.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, adjusting at the end once the sauce has reduced.
- Sandwich rolls: Toasted rolls hold up better and add texture.
Steps to Make Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
- Heat the oil in a skillet and cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add the onion and continue cooking until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook briefly so it absorbs the fat.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and water.
- Cover and simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Spoon the filling onto toasted rolls and serve.
Tips
- Butter and toast the buns. For the best texture, lightly butter the cut sides of the rolls and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden. This adds flavor and helps prevent the buns from soaking up too much sauce.
- Let the beef brown before stirring. When you first add the ground beef to the skillet, let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes. This develops better flavor before you break it up and continue cooking.
- Cook the flour briefly. After stirring in the flour, let it cook for a minute or two so it absorbs the fat and loses any raw taste. This step helps the sauce thicken smoothly once the liquids are added.
- Know what a simmer looks like. Once the sauce is added, reduce the heat so the mixture bubbles gently, not rapidly. You’re looking for small, slow bubbles breaking the surface—this allows the sauce to thicken without sticking or scorching.
- Adjust consistency near the end. If the mixture looks too loose, uncover the pan and let it simmer a bit longer. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water to loosen it.
- Taste after simmering. Ketchup brands vary in sweetness and saltiness, so final seasoning is best adjusted once the mixture has thickened and the flavors have concentrated.
- Rest briefly before serving. Letting the sloppy joe mixture sit off the heat for a few minutes helps it thicken slightly and makes it easier to spoon onto the buns.
Make Ahead
Refrigerator: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture and cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy sloppy joes. Add a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Sweet-and-tangy version. Stir in a spoonful of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra balance.
- Turkey sloppy joes. Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option; you may need a bit more seasoning.
- Veggie-loaded sloppy joes. Add finely chopped bell peppers or celery along with the onion for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on toasted sandwich rolls with pickles or coleslaw.
- Add sliced cheese to the buns for a melty twist.
- Pair with potato chips, fries, or a simple green salad.
- Choose slider buns for parties or kid-friendly portions.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer container or bag for up to 3 months. Label the container with the name and date.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce. The minimum safe temperature for hot leftovers (USDA guidelines) is 165 F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sloppy Joe Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 85/15 is best
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Dash ground black pepper, or to taste
- 4 hamburger rolls, or sandwich buns
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up into smaller pieces. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Add the onions and continue cooking, stirring often, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the ground beef is completely cooked and no longer pink.
- Stir the flour into the beef mixture until absorbed into the fat and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and water to the mixture. Cover and reduce the heat to low; cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
- Serve the sloppy joe sauce in the toasted sandwich rolls.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
