I’m excited to share a reliable, flavorful Sloppy Joes recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. This version combines ground beef (or turkey) with ground pork sausage for a rich, hearty base. There’s also a slow cooker option if you prefer to set it and forget it.
This classic American comfort meal is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It reheats well, making it a great choice for leftovers and busy nights.
Serve these Sloppy Joes with potato salad, mac and cheese, or sweet potato fries — they pair well with many sides and are very flexible.
How to Make The Best Sloppy Joes
Start by heating a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey), ground pork sausage, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Brown the mixture, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until there is no pink remaining, about 10 minutes, then drain off any excess fat.
Stovetop Method
After draining, return the meat to the pot and add tomato sauce, ketchup, packed brown sugar, cider vinegar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Slow Cooker Method
To use a slow cooker, brown the meats, onion, and pepper as above and drain well. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. The flour helps thicken the sauce in the slow cooker.
Serving Tips
Sloppy Joes are best served on toasted hamburger buns, though toasted bread or hot dog buns also work. Because the filling can be messy, pick the sandwich up with both hands and press the side closest to you to help keep the filling in. Tip the far side up slightly and maintain a firm grip on the bottom bun. Keep napkins and a fork nearby — they really are “sloppy” and delicious.
Side Dish Ideas
- Tex-Mex pesto pasta
- Cheesy baked zucchini
- Black bean and corn salad
- 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, onion, and bell pepper over medium-high heat, stirring often and breaking 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, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on toasted hamburger buns. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The Best Sloppy Joes
Follow the recipe and enjoy a satisfying, easy dinner that’s ideal for feeding a crowd or making extra for leftovers. May your Joes be sloppy and your table full of good company.
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