Old-Fashioned Homemade Sloppy Joes are a kid-pleasing classic that’ll take you straight back to the school cafeteria—but in the best way possible! This nostalgic favorite isn’t just for the lunch line; it’s a hit with the whole family! Plus, it’s a super easy way to serve up a hearty, delicious meal on busy weeknights without the fuss.
When the kids were little, I used to make these with the popular brand name canned stuff. I thought they made decent sloppy joes—easy, affordable, and no complaints from the little ones. The problem? Lee wasn’t a fan. And since he was the one paying all the bills and buying all the food, I figured I’d let him have his way. Besides, I wasn’t about to give up this easy meal, I just had to find a way to make it even better.
I learned from another mom that I could replicate the store-bought version with simple ingredients I already had in my kitchen. Sure, I have to do slightly more than just open a can, but I can still have them on the dinner table in about the same time. I mean, I’m already in there making side dishes to go with them anyway.
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Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes, Variations, and Substitutions
- Ground Meat: I use lean ground beef, mostly because I’m too lazy to drain it. If you’re trying to eat better (I get it!), ground turkey or chicken work just fine.
- Bell Pepper: No sloppy joe recipe is complete without green bell peppers. You can leave them out, but it might not have that classic comfort food vibe we’re going for.
- Onion: The ever-popular yellow onion is perfect, but white onion works too. Onion powder works in a pinch, about a tablespoon.
- Brown Sugar: This gives our homemade sloppy joe sauce a little sweetness. No real sub here, but if you’re not feeling the added sweetness, you can leave it out (at your own risk).
- Ketchup: I use it instead of tomato sauce because it has that little extra some-something this dish needs.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard adds that signature zip, but if you’re feeling fancy, Dijon or grainy mustard work too. Dry mustard can be used, but I’d add a splash of apple cider vinegar, maybe a teaspoon or two, to balance it out.
- Herbs and Spices: Garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are a must to create a great balance of flavors. If you don’t have fresh garlic add about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Hamburger Buns: I stick with the store brand to save a couple bucks, then toast ’em up so they’re perfectly soft and delicious.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green peppers until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix it up then reduce to low heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Butter the inside of the buns and toast in a skillet or on a griddle pan over medium heat until golden.
Best Sides with Sloppy Joes
There are many side dishes that go perfectly with old fashioned homemade sloppy joes, below are a few of my best ideas:
Salads
- Simple Green Salad
- Potato Salad
- Cole Slaw
- Macaroni Salad
- Cucumber & Onion Salad
- Tomato & Cucumber Salad
- Three Bean Salad
Starchy Sides
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Fried Potatoes
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Potato Chips
- Tater Tots
Veggie & Fruit Sides
- Corn or corn on the cob
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Carrots
- Fruit Salad
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit cocktail
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes! Let cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For best results, reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through. Or on the stove top over low heat, adding a little water if necessary.
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Old-Fashioned Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup onion
- ¼ cup green bell pepper
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Chop the onion and bell pepper.
- In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green peppers until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Reduce to medium heat if the beef cooks too quickly.1 pound lean ground beef, ¼ cup onion, ¼ cup green bell pepper
- Once the beef is browned, add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; reduce to low heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.¾ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter the inside of the buns and toast in a skillet or on a griddle pan over medium heat until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side.6 hamburger buns
- Serve on toasted buns. Add a slice of cheese or a bit of shredded cheese if desired.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.