Easy ( 5 ingredients) Homemade Sloppy Joes

Saucy and satisfying and the best homemade sloppy joes recipe around. It’s quick, easy, and made with real ingredients. Homemade Sloppy Joes! Yes, these are easy and fast, and I am not talking about pouring it from a can either. Homemade is the way to go, and I bet you already have these ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry.

My family likes scrambled hamburger any way I prepare it–Shepherd’s Pie, Cornbread Chili Casserole, hamburger casserole, or just plain scrambled hamburger. If I have any of these on the menu, they are happy.

Simple Sloppy Joe Recipe

This is my version of Homemade Sloppy Joes, and it is sure to please. After several trials with more of this and less of that— this is the one! My family gave me the thumbs up, and this has been my go-to recipe for a while now. You only need 5 ingredients, and you will have dinner on the table in minutes. This recipe should make 6-8 Sloppy Joes depending on how full you fill your hamburger buns.
Your family will love this recipe, and hopefully, this will be your go-to recipe as well.

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Ingredients Needed to make Homemade Sloppy Joes

This recipe is full of simple ingredients for classic sloppy joes. It’s simple and a meal your whole family will love. It’s an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights and includes pantry staples. Add some French fries or potato wedges, and have a complete meal.

Ground Beef— choose your favorite. I like to use fresh lean ground beef–your choice.

Ketchup— use your favorite brand. You can also choose a brand with less sugar since you will be adding brown sugar into the mix.

Mustard— Yellow mustard is always in my pantry. The little yellow bottle has a great big punch of flavor.

Brown Sugar–A little bit of brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the mix. It is so yummy. I find myself using Brown Sugar in many mixes I create. Feel free to adjust the sweetness. 

Worcestershire Sauce— No matter how you say it–the flavor is awesome. 

How to Make Easy Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

For a complete overview of the instructions and steps, please see the recipe card below.

The best part about this recipe- everything is made in one large skillet and comes together in minutes.

You will simply brown the ground beef then add the remaining ingredients. You will have a sloppy joe mixture that is sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Add green bell peppers to the ground beef mixture. Cook until soft.

• Add tomato paste or tomato sauce for more of a tomato-based sauce and mixture.

• Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.

• You control the spices, so add garlic powder, chili powder, or your favorite spices.

• Use your favorite buns for this recipe. Feel free to toast your buns if so desired. I like mine soft, so I skip the toasting.

• If you don’t like the sweetness of the brown sugar, reduce the amount used. All of these ingredients are controlled very easily.

• If desired, add onion to the meat mixture while cooking. The onion and the meat will brown and cook together. 

This truly is the best and super easiest Sloppy Joe recipe around. This is my go-to recipe for those nights when I need something fast and easy. It is kid and adult approved.

How to Serve Sloppy Joes

Take your sloppy joe’s night to the next level by setting up a sloppy joe’s bar and have your family top their own as desired. Some options for the bar include crusty bread, baked potato, and a variety of buns. For more toppings: fresh onions, green pepper, and jalapenos.

Sloppy Joes are messy but so good! I like to serve Sloppy Joes on a bun–toasted or not. Just fill the bun with the desired amount of meat and enjoy!

What to Serve with Homemade Sloppy Joes

Quick Pickled Vidalia Onions is always a great side for Sloppy Joes. They are easy to make and have the perfect crunch.

The choices are quite endless when it comes to side dishes to serve with this delicious dinner. Fries are always a popular choice with everyone but also Mac & Cheese. You can also try some other variations of Mac &Cheese, like my personal favorite Gordon Ramsay special Mac & Cheese

Crock Pot Corn on the Cob is another winner with the family. During the summer months, fresh veggies are great and pair well with the Sloppy Joes and Crispy Fried Okra is always on the menu.

Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions is a popular dish with my family. Crispy diced potatoes are delicious with any meal.

What Can I Do with Leftover Sloppy Joe Meat?

Serve it over fries. Yes, please. 

Add the mixture to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Serve on top of Mac & Cheese. This is always popular.

Serve as a hot dip with potato chips, celery, or crackers. Yes, it is that good!

Be sure to check out this recipe for the best Crock Pot Creamed Corn. Love Chicken Salad? Check it out here.

Need another weeknight meal idea? Try Creamy Southwestern Pasta Bake . It is sure to please your family. Also Chili Mac and Cheese is another fast and easy meal for the family.

How to Store Leftovers

Store all leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The meat sauce is fabulous the next day, heated on the stovetop or the microwave.