I’m excited to share a dependable, flavorful recipe for The Best Sloppy Joes. It’s simple to make, packed with taste, and even includes a slow cooker option. Combining ground beef or turkey with ground pork sausage creates a hearty, savory base that families love.
This classic American favorite is perfect for busy weeknights, makes great leftovers, and pairs well with many side dishes.
Credit to my friend and neighbor Charis for this recipe — it’s a keeper.
Serve Sloppy Joes with All American Potato Salad, Homemade Mac and Cheese, or Baked Sweet Potato Fries. The tangy-sweet meat mixture complements a wide range of sides and is easy to adapt.
Preparation is straightforward: brown the meats and vegetables, add the sauce ingredients, and simmer until the flavors meld. On the stovetop it’s ready in about an hour; the slow cooker version is great for hands-off cooking.
Making The Best Sloppy Joes
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the ground beef or turkey together with the ground pork sausage, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper over medium-high heat.
Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks so the final texture is saucy and even. Cook until no pink remains, about 10 minutes, then drain off excess fat.
Stovetop method
After draining, return the meat to the pot and add the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Let the mixture simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gentle simmering allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
Slow cooker method
After browning and draining the meats with onion and pepper, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to help thicken the sauce. Stir well and cover.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or until the flavors are fully melded and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
Serving
Sloppy Joes are traditionally served on toasted hamburger buns, though toasted bread or hot dog buns work well too. Because the filling is saucy, they can be messy — pick them up with both hands, pinch the bottom bun gently to keep the filling inside, and tip the sandwich slightly away from you to prevent spills.
Keep napkins and a fork nearby — they’re deliciously sloppy. Enjoy!
More Side Dishes to accompany your Sloppy Joes:
- Tex-Mex Pesto Pasta
- Easy Cheesy Baked Zucchini
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Mom’s Cucumber Noodle Salad
The Best Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
- 16 oz. ground pork sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
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In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef, sausage, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper over medium-high heat, stirring often. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook about 10 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain well.
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Add the remaining ingredients to the meat, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on toasted hamburger buns. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The Best Sloppy Joes
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In the meantime, may your Joes be sloppy and your days be blessed.
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