Homemade Sloppy Joes Easy 20-minute Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty meal that everyone loves, these Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are the answer! Made with lean ground beef and a handful of simple pantry ingredients, this classic sloppy joe recipe comes together in minutes – no chopping required. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly saucy, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game day gatherings. Keep them warm in a crock pot, and serve them on toasted hamburger buns; for the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal everyone will come back for seconds of!
Why you’ll love these sloppy joes so much
This homemade sloppy joe recipe is a family favorite. I love this recipe for so many reasons. You can have sloppy joe sandwiches ready in under 30 minutes. Sloppy joes come together quickly with simple pantry staples. No chopping or fancy prep. Big batch sloppy joes are great for meal prep, for tailgating, for just about any night of the week. If you make a big batch of sloppy joes it’s a super easy way to feed a crowd! The sloppy joe mixture is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This is one of my favorite recipes to make for busy nights. This recipe knows no bounds! It is also always a favorite of kids and adults alike.
Gather these ingredients
How to make sloppy joes
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add all the additional ingredients, and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, until sauce has thickened up.
Serve meat mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
- Use lean ground beef for better tasting and less grease.
- Easy to double or triple for a crowd.
- Keep in a slow cooker on warm for parties.
- Add a little heat by adding red pepper flakes.
What to serve with Sloppy Joes
- kettle chips or french fries
- coleslaw & pickles
- mac-n-cheese
- homemade potato salad
Storage and Reheating
- Allow sloppy joes to cool to room temperature and then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
- Make ahead and reheat in crock pot for your tailgate or any celebrations.
More easy Game Day Recipes!
- Easy Guacamole Recipe and homemade baked tortilla chips
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- Classic Beef Chili
- Wet Burritos
Homemade Sloppy Joes Easy 20-minute Meal
Equipment
- 1 large skillet pan
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef I use 90% lean ground beef
- 2 cups ketchup or chili sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground mustard 2-3 tbsp yellow mustard if you dont have dried mustard
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in skillet. Spoon off excess liquids.
- Add in remaining ingredients once meat is browned, stir to combine allow to get bubbly, turn heat down and cover, cook for an additional 10 minutes until thick. Transfer this to a crock pot to keep warm.
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Notes
Nutrition
Yeah, you're kids groan at this meal because they've been eatin' like Kings and Queens lately:) And I'm impressed…busy night and you still did homemade BBQ – I would have done the predone manwich meal in a jar or the old standby…Mac-N-Cheese:). I'm sending my kiddos to your palace for their meals!
WOW so glad you all enjoyed my sloppy joes! You can make a double batch and it freezes well too!
I have NEVER made homemade sloppies…you have brought this to a whole new level lady. Love you and hope the event went well.
Thanks for the recipe, I forget about Sloppy Joes!!
I remember days like that! What a great mom to make them something rather than running thru Wendy's:) I love Sloppy Joe's, which we haven't had in forever, but I bet we will soon and I will use your recipe!
I am sure that is tastier than the stuff in the can I usually serve my family. My hubby likes his over rice which I told him is just plain weird.
Looks great. Would love to win the cookbook. Just recently found the Pioneer Woman. Love your blog as well. My husband is an Ob/Gyn and I have 2 little boys.
Sheila,
I've been looking for a homemade sloppy joe recipe…these look yummy! Thank you!!
Debbie