Sloppy joes are an all-American classic. Like a lot of you, this was one of my favorite meals as a child. They were the best! Later on, I learned how to make sloppy joes from scratch so I knew exactly what was going into my mix. You can easily prepare these crowd-pleasing sandwiches for your family, too.
How to Make Sloppy Joes
Here’s a recipe from Laurie Hauser of Rochester, New York, you can follow step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 hamburger buns, split
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until nicely browned, and then drain.
Step 2: Return the meat to the pan over medium heat and add in the remaining ingredients; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer.
Step 3: Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, then serve them up on sliced buns—pickle chips optional.
There are endless varieties of sloppy joes. This recipe is perfect if you prefer the classic flavor. But you could jazz it up by turning it into Sloppy Joe Pasta or even Sloppy Joe Pizza!
What Sides Go with Sloppy Joes?
- Potatoes make a great side dish for joes! Try these Oven Parmesan Chips.
- Baked beans are a quick, yummy pairing, as well.
- Go healthier with Baked Sweet Potato Fries or a Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad.
Why Are Sloppy Joes Called Sloppy Joes?
There are many origin stories of the sloppy joe. One is that it was born in 1918 at a bar in Havana, Cuba, owned by José Abeal y Otero. He changed the name of his establishment after his American friends gave him the nickname “Sloppy Joe.” He had sandwiches on his menu, but they weren’t much like the sloppy joes we enjoy today.
Another story goes that a second Sloppy Joe’s Bar was christened in 1933 in Key West, Florida. Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway was a regular at the bar, and suggested that the owner rename it after the popular bar in Cuba. This is where the sandwich was crafted into the more recognizable version we know today.
Most people, however, believe that sloppy joes appeared first in the ’20s from a cook at Ye Old Tavern in Sioux City, Iowa, by the name of Joe. He combined tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef in a loose meat sandwich, and the first recipe for how to make sloppy joes was created.
While the master chef behind this beloved sandwich is still up for debate, the most important fact remains—they are so good to eat.
More Sandwich Ideas that Aren't PB&J
1 / 48
Dilly Turkey Melt
This is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois
Turkey Focaccia Club
My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven, thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good, they ask me to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Italian Steak Sandwiches
My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
Wow! Meat lovers won’t even miss the meat, instead they will rave about the simply fabulous flavor of this hearty grilled veggie sandwich! It’s wonderful with ciabatta bread’s crispy crust and light, airy texture. This recipe’s a keeper! —Diana Tseperkas, Hamden, Connecticut
Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches
Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it's easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas
Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Toasted Reubens
New Yorkers say my Reubens taste like those served in the famous delis there. For a little less kick, you can leave out the horseradish. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Gyro-Style Turkey Pitas
These are so good! Everyone will love these hearty, flavorful handhelds. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Parmesan Chicken Sandwiches
Coat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a hoagie, it’s a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California
Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Savory Beef Sandwiches
Before heading to work in the morning, I'll get this going in the slow cooker. Then it's all ready to serve—usually with hard rolls and potato salad or another salad—as soon as my husband and I walk in. When my son moved to another state recently, I cut up beef roast in smaller portions, repackaged it and sent seasonings for a two-person slow cooker as his housewarming present. —Lynn Williamson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Ham and Brie Melts
Melty cheese, ham and apricot preserves offer a special change of pace from the classic grilled cheese. These quick, crispy sandwiches remind me of baked brie. —Bonnie Bahler, Ellington, Connecticut
Beef 'n' Cheese Wraps
During busy weeks, I make these wraps in advance for a quick lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Zesty Sloppy Joes
For a big family gathering, these sandwiches are a hit. I have never served them without getting recipe requests. A fantastic blend of seasonings in a classic sandwich means no one can eat just one. —Sandy Abrams, Greenville, New York
Big Sandwich
This sandwich will put all other sandwich recipes to shame! One look at this impressive sandwich and your family and friends will know their taste buds are in for a treat. The tall layers prompt people to ask how they're supposed to eat it. I encourage them to simply dig in and enjoy! —Margaret Yost, Tipp City, Ohio
Italian Meatball Subs
This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland
Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese
The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
French Dip
For a sandwich with more pizzazz than the traditional French dip, give this recipe a try. The seasonings give the broth a wonderful flavor, and the meat cooks up tender and juicy. This slow-cooked version will soon be a favorite at your house, too. —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Cucumber Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Dress up chicken salad with crunchy cucumber and dill for a summery sandwich that’s ready in just 10 minutes. If you’re watching salt, omit it from each handheld to save 295 mg per serving. —Eva Wright, Grant, Alabama
Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes
This tangy sandwich filling is so easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked for my secret ingredient. —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Chipotle Roast Beef Sandwiches
Rustic ciabatta bread is the perfect match for tender roast beef and bold blue cheese and chipotle in this easy, tasty recipe. —Andre Houseknecht, Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Turkey Wraps
Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado
BLT Waffle Sliders
Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo
As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Gouda Turkey Club
With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Philadelphia Beef Sandwich
Green peppers, onions, melted cheese and beef make up a classic flavor combination, and it yields a pleasing sandwich to pack and take to a deck or tailgating party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee Wisconsin
Weeknight Chicken Mozzarella Sandwiches
My husband is a big garlic fan, so we use garlic bread crumbs and garlic sauce for our baked chicken sandwiches, so comforting on a chilly day. —Bridget Snyder, Syracuse, New York
Easy Philly Cheesesteaks
Since we live in a rural area where there aren’t any restaurants to speak of, I thought it would be fun to make this classic sandwich at home. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of steak sauce. —Lenette Bennett, Como, Colorado
Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches
One bite and you'll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It's protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
Favorite Italian Beef Sandwiches
I'm a paramedic/firefighter, and slow-cooked recipes like this one suit my unpredictable schedule. My husband and children and the hungry bunch at the firehouse love these robust sandwiches that have a little zip. —Kris Swihart, Perrysburg, Ohio
Spinach Po'Boy
I like to make this warm and cheesy sandwich for a simple dinner, served with fresh fruit on the side. —Jan Briggs, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Caesar Chicken Wraps
When we have chicken for dinner, I cook extra for these full-flavored roll-ups. Featuring Caesar salad dressing, cream cheese, red pepper, black olives and a hint of garlic, the wraps are perfect alongside corn on the cob and a green vegetable. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Cuban Sliders
Bake until these wonderful little Cuban sliders are lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Cheesy Chicken Subs
I've been part of the Food Services staff at Appalachian State University for 33 years. One summer we created this flavorful sandwich that combines seasoned grilled chicken, Swiss cheese and sauteed mushrooms and onions. Thousands of students have enjoyed this wonderful sub since then. —Jane Hollar, Vilas, North Carolina
Nebraska's Stuffed Beef Sandwiches
When I moved to Nebraska, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. A friend introduced me to this runza recipe, a German-Russian beef sandwich, and it quickly became a family favorite. —Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska
Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
My grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Ultimate Pastrami Sandwiches
This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. We took the basic ingredients—grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—and created a tasty replica, including our version of their secret coleslaw topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Makeover Reuben Melt
This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders
I love to come up with new recipe ideas; I'm always experimenting. I created these while my sister was pregnant to satisfy a craving, and it really did the trick! —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches
I think this is the best chicken salad sandwich recipe around! It’s good for you, quick to fix and has wonderful flavor. —Peggi Kelly, Fairbury, Nebraska
Baked Deli Focaccia Sandwich
Pesto and focaccia bread make this pretty sandwich deliciously different from most deli sandwiches. This is great to serve at football parties and other group gatherings. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Shredded French Dip
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Easy Greek Chicken Sandwiches
My wife and I ate sandwiches similar to these at a restaurant and enjoyed them. But they weren't nearly as flavorful as this easy and zesty recipe I came up with! —Tom Wolf, Tigard, Oregon
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington