Add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all the way through — about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, depending on how lean your meat is.
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t over-stir while browning. Let the meat sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes at a time to get a nice sear.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to remove any bitterness and deepen the flavor. It should coat the meat and veggies and start to caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Make It Saucy
Now the fun part! Stir in the following ingredients:
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let it bubble gently for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the beef beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed — add more salt, a splash more mustard, or another pinch of chili if you like it spicier.
🥖 How to Serve Sloppy Joes Like a Pro
- Toasted Buns: Lightly butter and toast your hamburger buns or brioche rolls for extra texture.
- Cheese Melt: Add a slice of cheddar or American cheese on the bun for a melty twist.
- Coleslaw Topper: For crunch and a touch of acidity, top your Sloppy Joe with a bit of coleslaw.
- Pickle Slices: Adds tang and balance. Dill is a classic!
🍽️ Sides That Pair Perfectly
No Sloppy Joe is complete without the right sides. Try these crowd-pleasers:
- Crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato fries
- Classic coleslaw
- Potato chips or kettle chips
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Mac and cheese (yes, carb heaven)
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or ketchup if the mixture gets too thick.
❤️ Make It Yours: Variations & Add-Ins
The beauty of Sloppy Joes is how customizable they are:
- Add chopped mushrooms for a meatier texture.
- Sneak in shredded carrots or zucchini for a veggie boost.
- Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
- Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Make it spicy with chipotle powder or jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just any Sloppy Joe recipe — it’s the best homemade Sloppy Joe you’ll ever make. It’s easy, saucy, and full of that sweet-savory flavor that makes you feel like a kid again… but with grown-up taste.
Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or just treating yourself to a nostalgic bite of comfort food, this recipe delivers every time.
So go ahead — make a batch, pile it high, and don’t forget the napkins. Sloppy never tasted so good.
