Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than the classic comfort food, sloppy joes! These tasty and easy-to-make sandwiches are a staple in many households, and for good reason. Not only do they satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix after a long day or a fun twist on traditional dinner, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering sloppy joe recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. From classic beef and pork options to vegetarian and vegan variations, there’s something for everyone. So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of sloppy joes and get cooking!
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
A comforting favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for casual gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe yields tender, flavorful sloppy joes with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns or rolls
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the mixture has thickened slightly.
5. Serve on hamburger buns or rolls.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Perfect for a busy day or a casual gathering with friends, this slow cooker sloppy joes recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously messy meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker; add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve sloppy joes on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joes
Satisfy your cravings with this flavorful vegetarian twist on classic sloppy joes! This hearty, plant-based dish is packed with nutritious lentils and a tangy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns or slider rolls
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Strain cooked lentils and add to the skillet mixture. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve sloppy joes on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings!
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Pulled Pork Sloppy Joes
Pulled Pork Sloppy Joes: A Twist on a Classic!
These sloppy joes are a creative take on the traditional recipe, featuring tender pulled pork instead of ground beef. The result is a rich and flavorful sandwich filling that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine the pork shoulder, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and bake for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Using two forks, pull the pork apart into bite-sized pieces.
5. Stir in barbecue sauce until well combined.
6. Split hamburger buns and spoon pulled pork mixture onto each bun.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Turkey Sloppy Joes with Hidden Veggies
This recipe adds a nutritious twist to the traditional sloppy joe by incorporating hidden veggies, making it perfect for picky eaters or those looking to sneak in some extra nutrients. The result is a flavorful and filling dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked carrots, mashed
– 1 cup cooked zucchini, grated
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the mashed carrots, grated zucchini, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Bacon Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce and the crunch of crispy bacon. This recipe combines tender ground beef with caramelized onions, tangy ketchup, and a hint of brown sugar for a mouthwatering twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer mixture for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve on hamburger buns topped with crumbled bacon.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Sloppy Joes
Elevate your sloppy joe game with the bold flavors of sriracha and spicy spices. This recipe is perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mexican-Style Sloppy Joes with Jalapeños
This recipe puts a spicy spin on traditional sloppy joes by adding the bold flavors of Mexico. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
A twist on the classic comfort food, this casserole combines the flavors of sloppy joe with the ease of a one-dish meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup cooked macaroni
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cooked macaroni, milk, and shredded cheese.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the meat mixture.
6. Top with the macaroni mixture and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your snack game with this twist on a classic recipe! These Cheesy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers combine the comfort of sloppy joes with the ease of bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up meat into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the Sloppy Joe mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sloppy Joe Nachos
Elevate your nacho game with this creative take on the classic combo of Sloppy Joes and nachos. This recipe combines tender ground beef, tangy ketchup-based sauce, and melted cheese for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– 8-10 nacho tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, and cumin to the skillet and stir until well combined.
4. Arrange nacho chips on a baking sheet. Spoon Sloppy Joe mixture over the chips, followed by shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes with Pineapple
Elevate your sandwich game with this sweet and savory twist on traditional sloppy joes. The addition of pineapple and Hawaiian-inspired spices gives this classic comfort food a tropical spin.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Sliced pineapple, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast until lightly browned.
6. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and top with sliced pineapple.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto-Friendly Sloppy Joes
Savor the flavors of a classic sloppy joe with this keto-friendly twist, perfect for a low-carb and delicious meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
Elevate your party game with these bite-sized Sloppy Joe sliders, featuring tender beef and melted cheese served on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings or as a unique twist on traditional sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 Hawaiian rolls
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Split the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise.
6. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each roll, followed by shredded cheese (if using).
7. Top with the top half of the roll and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe! This sweet and tangy version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the beef mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Bake
A comforting twist on classic Sloppy Joes, this recipe combines the flavors of ground beef and tomato sauce with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 bag tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Arrange tater tots in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Spoon ground beef mixture over tater tots, followed by shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes: A Quick and Easy Twist on a Classic
Get ready for a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe, cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and heat the inner pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “SEALING”.
6. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Serve hot on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the addition of savory sloppy joe filling. This sweet and tangy twist is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread
– 1/4 cup sloppy joe filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons butter, divided
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: diced onions, pickle slices, or chopped bell peppers
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Spread sloppy joe filling on top of the bread, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Place a slice of cheese on top of the filling.
6. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes per sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Take your sloppy joes to the next level with this flavorful and spicy recipe that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comfort of a classic sloppy joe. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook ground chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Serve sloppy joes on hamburger buns topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Elevate your baked potato game with this hearty recipe that combines the classic comfort of Sloppy Joes with the simplicity of a warm, fluffy potato. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. While potatoes are baking, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce; bring to a simmer.
6. Fluff baked potatoes with a fork. Top each potato with the Sloppy Joe mixture, shredded cheese, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Get ready for a flavorful and quick meal with these 20 sloppy joe recipes perfect for busy nights! From classic homemade to slow cooker and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Mix it up with pulled pork, turkey, or BBQ bacon, or try international twists like Mexican-style or Hawaiian-inspired versions. Plus, enjoy creative takes like sloppy joe casserole, nachos, sliders, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a quick dinner solution, these easy recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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