This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is a quick, 30-minute dinner that tastes just like the classic sandwiches many of us grew up eating. The homemade sweet and tangy sauce uses simple pantry staples and has so much more flavor than the canned versions.
If you enjoy Sloppy Joe recipes, try our turkey sloppy joes, sloppy joe cornbread casserole, or check out my other Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters.
Table of Contents
Before You Get Started
A few quick notes that help this recipe turn out perfectly every time:
- Use lean ground beef. Leaner meat keeps the sauce from becoming greasy and helps the flavors shine. You can drain the extra fat if needed.
- Brown the meat well. Let it get a little color before adding the sauce. This adds richer, deeper flavor.
- Adjust the sauce thickness. Simmer uncovered for a thicker mixture, or cover the skillet if you like a “sloppier” consistency.
- Taste and tweak. This is an old-fashioned, flexible sauce. Add a splash of vinegar for more tang or a bit of brown sugar if you like it sweeter.
How to Make Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes
These homemade sloppy joes come together with just a few simple steps. The whole meal cooks in less than 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Step 1: Brown the Meat, Onion, and Garlic
Start by cooking the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks so you don’t end up with big clumps.
- Let it get a little color before draining; that browning adds great flavor.
- Drain off the extra grease after the beef is no longer pink. This keeps the sauce from tasting oily.
A cast iron skillet works well here, but any large pan with good surface area will help the meat cook evenly.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- This is the classic sweet-and-tangy base that gives sloppy joes their old-fashioned flavor.
- The ingredients are flexible. A little extra vinegar brightens it up, and a touch more sugar adds sweetness if that’s how your family likes it.
Mixing the sauce separately keeps everything smooth so it coats the meat evenly later.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well so every bit of meat is coated. Keep the heat low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- For a thicker mixture: simmer uncovered so the sauce reduces. To thicken, simmer a little longer or sift in a very small amount of flour while stirring.
- For a sloppier texture: cover the skillet so the moisture stays in. To thin the sauce, add a splash of warm water, broth, or even a spoonful of ketchup.
You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks glossy, rich, and spoonable. Not runny, but not dry.
Step 4: Serve on Buns
Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto soft hamburger buns.
- Toasting the buns gives the sandwiches a little more structure and keeps them from getting soggy.
- If you’re serving kids, spoon the filling onto slider rolls or let the mixture cook down until it’s a touch thicker. It’s easier to handle that way.
Serve them right away with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, old-fashioned sandwich that tastes like the classic version so many of us remember.
Sloppy Joe Toppings
We usually keep these sandwiches simple for picky eaters, but toppings can make them even better:
- Cheese: American cheese melts instantly on the warm meat.
- Pickles: Dill or bread-and-butter pickles add crunch and tang.
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy topping that balances the savory meat.
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion: A fresh burger-style twist.
I made this for dinner tonight, and it was delicious! So easy too. It will definitely be one that I make again and again. Thanks for creating and sharing such a wonderful recipe!
– Morgan
What to Serve With Sloppy Joes
Best Classic Sides
These pair naturally with a cozy, old-school sloppy joe dinner:
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
- Homemade Baked Beans (or Cowboy Baked Beans)
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- French fries or potato chips
- Southern-Style Green Beans
Fresh and Lighter Sides
Bright, crunchy sides that balance the rich sauce:
Ways to Use Leftover Sloppy Joes
Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be used in so many family-friendly dinners:
- Crescent roll sloppy joe casserole
- Spoon over rice, noodles, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Top baked potatoes (with sour cream, and cheese).
- Stir into Dutch oven mac and cheese for a Sloppy Joe pasta.
- Use in quesadillas, tacos, or wraps.
- Spoon over Southern cornbread.
- Spread it on flatbread and top with grated cheese, then bake for a Sloppy Joe pizza.
- Sloppy joe tater tot casserole
Storage and Reheating
- Make-Ahead: This is a great make ahead meal for busy nights! You can prepare the Sloppy Joe meat in advance, let it cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- How to Reheat: Place the meat in a saucepan, cover, and warm over a low flame, stirring regularly just until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm water, beef broth, or additional ketchup to thin. Spoon onto buns and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What buns work best for Sloppy Joes?
Classic hamburger buns are perfect, but brioche, pretzel buns, or kaiser rolls hold up well too. Toast the buns lightly on a griddle or in a skillet. It adds flavor and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy once the warm meat goes on top.
What can I use in the sauce instead of ketchup?
Substitute with barbecue sauce or tomato sauce in lieu of the ketchup. The tomato sauce is not sweet like ketchup, so you will need to add some extra brown sugar to taste. You can also use a can of condensed tomato soup if that’s what’s in your pantry. Stir in a dollop of tomato paste for a richer, thicker tomato flavor.
How do I thicken or thin the sauce?
This recipe is flexible, so you can make the mixture as thick or as “sloppy” as you like.
- For a looser sauce: Cover the skillet while simmering to trap moisture, or add a splash of warm water, beef broth, or a bit more ketchup. Adjust slowly until it reaches a consistency you like.
- For a thicker sauce: Simmer uncovered so the liquid can reduce. You can also let it cook a little longer or stir in a very small amount of flour to tighten it up.
What is the difference between Sloppy Joes and Manwich?
Manwich is a canned, tomato-based sauce that you mix with browned meat. It’s convenient, but the flavor is usually thinner and a little more processed. Homemade sloppy joes have a richer taste because you control the balance of sweetness, tang, and seasoning. The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, and you can easily adjust it to suit your family.
Can I make these with turkey or pork?
Yes. The sauce works with almost any ground meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork cook the same way and absorb the flavors well. Turkey and chicken give you a lighter, leaner sauce, while pork adds a touch more richness.
Can I make sloppy joes in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground meat, onion, and garlic first so the texture stays right, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Stir in the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. If the mixture looks too thin at the end, remove the lid and let it cook a little longer to reduce.
Recipe Variations
- Use both Ketchup and BBQ Sauce: for a zesty spin, swap out half of the ketchup and replace it with barbecue sauce instead.
- Sloppy Joe Recipe with Tomato Sauce: For a slightly less sweet Sloppy Joe sauce, replace half of the ketchup with tomato sauce. You can even omit the ketchup entirely and use tomato sauce instead. Just sweeten with brown sugar to taste.
- Homemade Sloppy Joes with BBQ Sauce: If you love the zippy flavor of barbecue sauce, swap out the ketchup and replace it with your favorite brand of store-bought (or homemade) bbq sauce.
- Add Seasoning: Use your favorite seasonings like chili powder or cumin, or herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil, or parsley.
- Include Vegetables: Make healthy Sloppy Joes by sneaking in extra veggies. Try diced bell pepper, shredded zucchini or squash, or grated carrots.
- Try Different Meat: Instead of ground beef, use ground pork or ground turkey, or a blend of meats.
- Make Them Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to your sauce.
- No Sugar Sloppy Joe Recipe: omit the brown sugar and use no-sugar-added ketchup.
More Kid-Friendly Dinners
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Watch How to Make It
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ¼ cup finely diced onion (frozen is fine)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ⅛ teaspoon dried garlic powder)
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash of ground black pepper
- For serving: sandwich buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the sauce.
- Add the sauce to the skillet with the beef, onion, and garlic.
- Simmer uncovered over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture reaches desired consistency. You can keep the skillet covered if you like the sauce “sloppier.” If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in a small amount of warm water or beef broth. If the sauce is too thin, gradually sift in a small amount of flour while stirring vigorously to thicken.
- Spoon beef mixture onto buns and serve!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance, cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Serving a Larger Family? Double all of the ingredients.
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of warm water or broth if it gets too thick, or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
- Meat options: Turkey, pork, or a blend work well.
- Bun tip: Toast buns for a sturdier sandwich.
Nutrition
Originally published in September, 2020, this post was updated in January, 2026.
I have never made Sloppy Joes until tonight and it was amazing. My husband was so pleased! Thank you for your delicious and easy to follow recipes.
Thanks, Adela! So glad that you liked this version!
So happy I found your recipe, had all the ingredients at hand , an it sounds exactly like what I had as a younger person.
Thank you Happy New Year
Diana from Michigan.
Were your onions frozen or raw?
Either will work for this recipe!
So easy and delicious!
Made it tonight, and added an entire bell pepper, half an onion, and some minced garlic. I did half leftover tomato sauce, and a few tablespoons of ketchup. Also added dried oregano and thyme. Added only a bit of brown sugar, and it was perfect.
Adding it to the rotation!
Awesome! Thanks, Jina! I’m so glad that it was a hit!
I appreciate having measurements and using worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. (I had always used white vinegar.) I usually just wing it on amounts This recipe has a good balance of flavors. Thank you.
Wonderful! Thanks, Cathy!
So yummy! I love a good homemade version as opposed to a mystery can! We always assemble our sloppy joes on the bun with fresh slices of onion, a drizzle of yellow mustard, and a piece of American cheese. Don’t knock it until you try it 🙂 Also, I make a vegetarian option when my brothers come over (which I learned from them) with two cans of drained lentils. The lentil version is also really yummy!
Great tips, Kaitlyn! That vegetarian option is good to know! 🙂
I’m not a vegetarian, but always looking for more ways to do meatless meals for the sake of our health and pocketbook!! Thanks for the suggestion!!!!!
I made this for dinner tonight, and it was delicious! So easy too. It will definitely be one that I make again and again. Thanks for creating and sharing such a wonderful recipe!
Thanks, Morgan! It’s on our menu this week, too. My kids love this meal! 🙂 So glad that it was a hit in your house. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a note and let me know!
Just finished making a large pot of this. Hubby and I will eat it a couple of times this week. It smells so good in the kitchen !!!
That’s great, Kimberly! It’s on our dinner menu this week, too. 🙂
Wow, Blair! Delicious! I usually make Sloppy Joe’s the way my mom did which is basically the same as this except uses a can of undiluted Campbell’s Tomato Soup for the sauce. I didn’t have the soup so I tried your recipe and although a little sweeter it was spot on! I’m so happy to find a recipe where I don’t have to use the canned soup. Thanks!
Hi, Denise! I’m so glad to hear that these live up to your mom’s recipe! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Have a great week!
I have made many of your recipes, including this one. All have been a hit with my husband AND two year old. But the best discovery by far is that you can buy frozen chopped onions!!! Such a game changer.
Yessss! The frozen chopped onion and the jars of pre-minced fresh garlic are such great time-savers!
This is pretty much the way my family has always made sloppy joes…..but you should also put potato chips on the sandwich when you serve it….the it adds a nice crunch.
We’ve made these quite a few times now, they are seriously SO delicious! I love how easy the recipe is and the first time we made them I was honestly shocked by how flavorful and “not heavy” they were. Thank you so much for sharing this one!!
That’s great to hear, Emily! Thanks for taking the time to come back here and leave me a note. 🙂
This is NOT your Mama’s recipe! I don’t remember Sloppy Joe’s tasting SOOO GOOD. This recipe is flavorful, thick, and a new staple in our household. Our 9 year old daughter likes it, so it’s a win-win. Thank you for sharing this recipe and making Sloppy Joe’s a new/old favorite! So delicious!
Yay! Thanks, Dianna! I’m so glad that your daughter approves, too. 🙂
I hadn’t made Sloppy Joes for years, but I made your recipe last night. It was terrific. I used Barbecue Sauce. Will make these again.
Awesome! I need to bring them back, too. It’s been a little while, and they’re always a hit. 🙂 Thanks for your note, Nata!
I have made this recipe multiple times and it could not be any easier or more flavorful. Great yummy recipe! Thank you!
That’s so good to hear, Sharon. Thank you!
Have made this recipe several times now. Always a hit. I make it with bbq sauce when I don’t have enough catsup. Great both ways.
Thank you, Melode!
Just wanted to drop you another line. I made your sloppy joe recipe for a large crowd (I doubled the recipe) yesterday. It was such a big hit and multiple people asked me for the recipe. I referred them to your website. Everyone enjoyed it and I went home without any left overs. Thanks again for a delicious and easy recipe.
That’s so good to hear, Sharon! Thank you for sharing the recipe with your friends, and for taking the time to let me know that the sandwiches were a hit!
Tastey! Husband likes sweeter so added more brown sugar. But I like it plain, with dill pickle slices on top. Thanks!
Thanks, Mary!
Good morning. I have another use for Sloppy Joe’s. I use it for my Shepard’s Pie.
I just put Sloppy Joe’s in a casserole dish. Top with drained canned corn. Then top with mashed potatoes. I’ve always used Manwich but your recipe is so easy and I always have all the ingredients so next time I’ll use your recipe. Shepard’s Pie is even easier now to make with the Ready to Eat mashed potatoes in the grocery stores!
Hi, Debbie! That does sound delicious! I agree — the refrigerated mashed potatoes are such a time-saver!
Great idea, but how so you keep it from spreading when you serve it?
OH I CAN’T WAIT TO TRY SO MANY OF YOUR RECIPES!!
We hope you enjoy, Sarah!
Could I use this sauce as a substitute in the Dump and Bake Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole, omitting the ground beef and using thawed frozen meatball? If so, should I double or triple the sauce ingredients to make the casserole? And should I simmer the ingredients before adding them to the casserole or just stir them together? Thanks!
Hi Marion! We haven’t tested this in the casserole but don’t see why it wouldn’t work. We would probably recommend doubling the recipe and allowing it to simmer before adding it to the casserole. If you wanted to triple it just to be on the safe side you could always freeze leftovers!
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I can’t wait to make this one again! So quick and easy. Why anyone would use that stuff from a can is beyond my comprehension. This recipe requires hardly any effort.
Perfect for the summer too, when we want a hot meal but don’t want to heat the house to accomplish it.
We made ours using vegetarian “burger” crumbles. Some recipes don’t translate very well going the meatless route. No issues with this one. These sloppy joes are amazing!
Thank you, Gayle. I agree, this couldn’t be easier or tastier. So glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
So happy I found your recipe, had all the ingredients at hand , an it sounds exactly like what I had as a younger person.
Thank you Happy New Year
Diana from Michigan.
We’re happy you found it as well. We hope you enjoy, Diana! Happy New Year to you as well.
I just made this recipe, couldn’t have been any simpler, but better than that it tastes fantastic. My Husband is a very picky eater an he really liked it. Thank you for a recipe I will keep. Happy New Year.Dians
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out, Diana. Happy New Year to you as well!