Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

It’s quick and easy to make Sloppy Joes from scratch! This sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors — once you try it, you’ll never go back to canned sauce again.

Print Pin

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joes:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp yellow mustard
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp hot sauce (optional — try Texas Pete or Frank’s)
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

4 hamburger buns, toasted
Optional: American or Velveeta cheese slices

Instructions

Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
Add the ground beef (do not break it apart yet). Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until a dark brown crust forms. Flip and let the other side brown.
Cook the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium-high. Add onions and break the beef into crumbles. Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Make the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly — about 5 minutes. Avoid over-reducing, especially if planning to reheat later.
Toast the Buns
For best results, butter the buns and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden. This adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
Serve & Enjoy
Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns. Add cheese if desired. Serve with fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw.

Slow Cooker Method

Brown the beef, onion, and garlic on the stovetop as above; drain any grease.
Transfer to your Crock Pot and add the remaining ingredients (except buns).
Cook on Low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips

Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Want it cheesier? Melt American or Velveeta directly into the meat mixture.
This recipe appears in The Cozy Cookbook, page 78!

Nutrition

Save