Sloppy Joe Recipes – Quick, Saucy & Delicious! 🍔

Nothing says comfort food like a messy, saucy sloppy joe! Whether you’re looking for a classic family favorite or a super quick weeknight dinner, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone craving that nostalgic, hearty bite.  If the classic is too many ingredients, check out the 4 ingredient version for a fast meal in no time!  If you are on Keto, I got you!  See my recommendations for enjoying sloppy joes while on low carb diet. 

Classic Saucy Sloppy Joes

Quick, comforting, and oh-so-saucy! Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a cozy weeknight treat.

Servings: 4 | Prep + Cook: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 4 hamburger buns
  
  

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

2. Add onion and bell pepper, cook 3–4 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

5. Spoon onto buns and serve! Optional: top with pickles or shredded cheese.
   
   

Quick Tip: For extra saucy joes, add a splash of water or beef broth as it simmers.

Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sloppy Joes

Take sloppy joes to the next level! Sweet & tangy BBQ flavor, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends.

Servings: 4 | Prep + Cook: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce    (on Keto or trying to stay low carb? try this BBQ sauce by G Hughes, it is so good.   Or also Yo Mama's BBQ Sauce is perfect as well for making a yummy sloppy joe)

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 4 sandwich buns  (if you are on Keto, try a low carb bun from your local grocery store, or you can do an open face sloppy joe with only using a bun on the bottom and no topper to keep carbs lower)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat.

2. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Reduce heat and simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.

5. Serve on buns and garnish with coleslaw or crispy onions if desired.
   
   
   

4-Ingredient BBQ Sloppy Joes

Servings: 4 | Prep + Cook: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet, then drain excess fat.

2. Stir in barbecue sauce and ketchup. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thick and saucy.

3. Serve on buns. Optional: top with shredded cheese or coleslaw.