Dinner

Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByRafael Mansero January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for a family meal. This homemade version is packed with savory ground beef and a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s a hearty sandwich everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich on a white sesame seed bun. The sandwich has two main layers: the bottom layer is a golden toasted bun, and the top layer is the golden sesame seed bun. In between, there is a thick, chunky meat mixture with a rich reddish-brown sauce, mixed with visible pieces of green bell peppers and onions, giving it a colorful and textured look. The sandwich is set on a white marbled surface with more sloppy joe sandwiches blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium white onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
2 medium celery ribs, diced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the heat.
Step 3: Add the diced green bell pepper, celery, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the rack about 12 inches beneath it. Arrange the hamburger buns open-faced on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add shredded cheese on top before serving for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Keep hamburger buns separate to avoid sogginess and toast fresh before serving.