Only 20 minutes to make this super yummy Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Recipe. So easy and so good, this is a meal the whole family will love!
Don't you just love a cheesy hamburger casserole? They are hearty and family friend and easy to make. Love that! Like this Beef Noodle Casserole recipe, yum!
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Why this sloppy joe recipe works every time
This stovetop favorite delivers a cozy, homemade meal in minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. The sauce cooks down into a rich, slightly sweet mixture that tastes like the nostalgic version everyone grew up loving, only better.
It's quick, satisfying, and has a magical way of getting even the pickiest eaters to wander back for seconds!
The BEST Sloppy Joes Recipe
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 tablespoon montreal steak seasoning
- 1 cup catsup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Cook beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat if desired.
- Add bell pepper, onion and montreal steak seasoning. Sauté for five minutes until the onions are transparent and bell pepper is softened.
- Add the remaining ingredients - catsup, brown sugar & mustard, mix to combine and heat through.
- Serve the sloppy joe mix hamburger buns with sweet or dill pickles.
Notes
Storage
Refrigerate - allow to cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freeze - Place leftovers in freezer containers. This recipe freezes well for up to three months. Reheat - thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet until hot.Nutrition
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Ingredients
For the exact measurements for the best sloppy joe recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card.
Instructions
Tips for making the tastiest sloppy joes
Give the meat time to brown so it develops that deep, savory flavor before adding anything else. If you want a little kick, stir in a dash of hot sauce while the mixture simmers. To thicken it, whisk together a small amount of cornstarch and cold water and drizzle it in near the end.
For households where onion texture is a hot debate, grate the onion rather than dicing it. The onion will melt right into the sauce.
FAQ's
Pretty much, yes! But you don't need a can to make a great diy sloppy Joe seasoning. This simple recipe is 10 times better than what you get in a can.
This recipe is the perfect mix of seasoning and beef, but if you do decide to thicken it use an equal amount of cornstarch and cold water - about a teaspoon of each - to form a thin paste. Stir into the beef mixture and allow it to thicken.
Yes, you can make this in the crockpot. Just brown the ground beef and combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low 3-4 hours.
Variations
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in the meat mixture will give the Sloppy Joe Sandwiches a nice tang!
Tomato paste or tomato sauce can be substituted for the ketchup, but you'll need to balance the acidity with sugar to taste.
More easy ground beef recipes
You can keep the Sloppy Joe fun going with a few more comforting options from the blog. The Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, Hot Sloppy Joe Dip brings big flavor to any gathering, and the Sloppy Joe Casserole makes an easy weeknight dinner that disappears fast.
If this kind of easy stovetop comfort food is right up your alley, you'll enjoy the Lasagna Hamburger Helper, Taco Hamburger Helper, and the Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe. They all stick to simple ingredients, cook quickly, and deliver those cozy, family-friendly flavors your family will love. These are great for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast!
Serve with
These saucy sandwiches pair well with fresh salads, pasta salads, baked beans, or a hearty scoop of macaroni pasta salad. For game days, spoon the mixture over nachos or crispy fries and watch the pan disappear. It's great tucked into quesadillas with a melty cheese layer, and it's surprisingly good over a baked potato when you want an easy "grab a fork and relax" supper.
Wrapping it up
This simple stovetop supper has all the charm of an old-school favorite without the fuss. It's fast, budget-friendly, and works with whatever you've got in the pantry - exactly the kind of dependable recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
If it brings a little calm to your evening and a few smiles around the table, then it's doing its job beautifully. Comment below after you've given it a try. I'd love to hear what you think of this recipe!
Angy says
Interesting recipe. I’ve been making my sloppy joes this way for probably 15 years or so. I love McCormick’s Montreal Steak seasoning. I put that sh!t on everything! Even mac & cheese. 😀
Debra Clark says
Hahaha Angy - samsies on the steak seasoning! Glad it was a hit and if you continue to browse through the blog, you'll find more recipes using and even and recipe FOR a copycat Montreal Steak Seasoning!
Lori says
Just made this! The best ever Sloppy Joes we’ve ever had!! Definitely keeper recipe, did the crockpot method delicious!!
Bowl Me Over says
That's great! We love this recipe too, glad you enjoyed the meal!
Eve says
Thank you for the yummy recipe
Angie says
YUM!! This looks just like what my mom used to make us growing up!
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic, I hope you really enjoy this meal!