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Square close up of homemade sloppy joes on a plate.
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4.96 from 21 votes

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

An easy 30-minute dinner made with simple pantry staples and a sweet, tangy homemade sauce.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade sloppy joes, old fashioned sloppy joes, old fashioned sloppy joes recipe, sloppy joes recipe, super easy sloppy joe recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 226kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

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.
    Browning ground beef and onion in a skillet.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the sauce.
    Whisking together the sauce for a homemade sloppy joe recipe.
  • Add the sauce to the skillet with the beef, onion, and garlic.
    Adding the sauce to ground beef.
  • 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.
    Homemade sloppy joe meat in a skillet.
  • Spoon beef mixture onto buns and serve!
    Horizontal side shot of old fashioned sloppy joes on plates with coleslaw and pickles.

Video

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

Serving: 1/4 of the meat mixture | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1122mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 231IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 3mg