Easy Sloppy Joe’s

Growing up, my grandma made her homemade sloppy joe recipe frequently, and it was always one of my favorite meals. In my first trimester of pregnancy, it was actually one of my biggest cravings. However, all of the recipes I found online used mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and other ingredients that, while tasty, I never remembered seeing my grandma use in her recipe. 

So, I called her up to find out just how exactly she used to make this nostalgic dish. As with most of her meals, she never measured anything, using “a little of this and a little of that.” Luckily, with some general guidance and a few rounds of testing, I was able to nail the warm, saucy dish I was craving. I even managed to sneak in a few veggies! 

Ingredients and Notes

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details! 

• Ground Beef – We prefer to use lean ground beef, 85% or leaner, but any percentage works. Or, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a slightly lighter option, keeping in mind that the flavor will change slightly. 
• Veggies – I sneak in finely diced onions, green bell pepper, and shredded carrots. It adds vitamins and nutrients, making the sloppy joe’s even more filling without impacting the taste or texture. 
• Ketchup – A must-have in any homemade sloppy joe recipe, this gives the dish its signature sweet, tangy taste. Use any homemade or store-bought ketchup you like best, and adjust to taste. Opt for a sugar-free or low-sugar ketchup to keep this recipe lighter and a little more macro-friendly. 
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and a bay leaf infuse the sloppy joe mixture with a savory taste. 

How to Make This Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

1. Sauté and brown. Warm a skillet over medium heat, lightly grease it with cooking spray, and satué the veggies until tender. Then, add the beef, and cook, breaking it into pieces until it’s no longer pink. 
2. Season and simmer. Add water, ketchup, and seasonings, mixing to combine, and simmer the meat over medium heat until you achieve your desired consistency. 
3. Serve. Adjust the seasonings to taste, remove the bay leaf, and enjoy! 

Our Favorite Ways to Serve

The most common way to serve this easy sloppy joe recipe is in a fluffy hamburger bun as a loose meat sandwich. Some people add slaw, but I’m not a fan and don’t find it necessary. However, I do always add a side of homemade fries or baked beans. 

Or, for a slightly lighter option, I spoon the warm meat filling into a baked potato, and it’s heavenly!