Homemade BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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Sloppy joes make a quick, easy dinner. Try this popular tangy bbq version.

Homemade BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

under 30 minutes

8 reviews
1 comment


ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
hamburger buns

directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off excess grease.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard, barbecue sauce, and ketchup until blended (the brown sugar should be starting to dissolve).

Add the barbecue mixture to the skillet and stir well to combine.

Let the beef simmer, stirring as needed, for 5 minutes or until the sauce is heated through and thickened.

Serve the BBQ sloppy joe sauce on buns with any additional condiments as desired.

recipe tips


Cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft.

Stir the sauce ingredients until the brown sugar is dissolved.

Simmer the mixture to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Toast the hamburger buns for added texture.

Offer a variety of condiments like cheese, onions, or jalapenos for customization.

Be generous with the sauce for truly "sloppy" joes.

Keep napkins handy, as this dish can be messy to eat.

common recipe questions


Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Is it necessary to drain the grease from the beef?

Draining the grease helps to reduce the fat content and improves the texture of the sauce.

Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?

The brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the tanginess, but you can reduce the amount or use a sweetener like honey.

What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it's sweet, tangy, or spicy.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or carrots.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos for extra heat.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat it, adding a little water if it's too thick.

What can I serve with the BBQ sloppy joes?

Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or a side salad for a complete meal.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.


nutrition data

283 calories, 20 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.



more recipes like homemade bbq sloppy joes

BASIC SLOPPY JOES FROM SCRATCH

TOMATO SOUP SLOPPY JOES

BEEF 'N' BEAN SLOPPY JOES

MANWICH SLOPPY JOES

SLOPPY JOES FOR 100

SLOPPY JANE SANDWICHES


reviews & comments

  1. nicollewestin REVIEW:
    April 1, 2021

    This was amazing! We like sloppy joes but the bbq version just became our new favorite.

  2. Cyndi REVIEW:
    July 28, 2020

    I’m so sorry but this not good. At all. It was way too sweet. No one would eat it. Wasted two pounds of ground beef 😞

  3. Cass REVIEW:
    January 18, 2018

    Just right perfect amount of sweet

  4. jenewallace REVIEW:
    February 25, 2017

    I've never loved the ketchup based versions of sloppy joes but I liked this one because of the smoky barbecue sauce. I did cut the sugar down just a little because I felt like the sauce I used was a little on the sweeter side. Simple meal.

  5. Mamasaurous June 21, 2014

    This is the recipe I have been searching for ! Looking forward to making it . Thank you !

  6. Logan B REVIEW:
    February 4, 2009

    I made this dish and just loved it. I would say this is just about the best sloppy joes I have ever had. Will make it a lot more!

  7. Kathryn REVIEW:
    June 8, 2006

    This is the best sloppy joe that I have ever tasted! Provided that you have excellent BBQ sauce, I'm sure that you will love it too. It is also a great meal for people like myself who consequently cannot cook.

  8. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    February 21, 2006

    I made these for my daughter's birthday and I found the recipe to be very easy and not overly time consuming, so I had time to enjoy her b-day party. I also got many compliments on the BBQ's, they were delicious!

  9. Shannie78 REVIEW:
    December 17, 2004

    it's good and it's better than the old sloppy joes

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Homemade BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in Sloppy Joe? ›

A Sloppy Joe is a sandwich consisting of ground beef and onions in a tomato-based sauce served on a hamburger bun. The sandwich likely originated in Sioux City, Iowa in the 1930s.

What to add to Sloppy Joe to make it better? ›

Your favorite barbecue sauce (or my favorite barbecue sauce, based on Sweet Baby Ray's) can be added instead of ketchup for a smoky version of a classic Joe. Spices: Dress up your sloppy joes with garlic powder, onion powder, or any other flavors you love.

How do you keep sloppy joes from falling apart? ›

Baking soda helps keep the ground beef moist and tender, and incorporating baking soda into the finely chopped onion causes the onion to soften rapidly so it nearly melts into the sauce. Cornstarch thickens the sauce and binds up any fat, creating a silky-smooth, cohesive texture.

How many people will 1 lb of sloppy joes feed? ›

In general, we call for 1 pound of ground beef to make 6 sandwiches in our sloppy joes recipes. That works out to 3 ounces of ground beef per sandwich. Depending on the size of your bun and how meaty you like your sandwich, you can increase or decrease that amount an ounce or two either way.

What's the difference between a Sloppy Joe and a sloppy Jane? ›

If you're aiming to eat a lower-fat diet, then consider fixing yourself a sloppy jane. This variant on the sloppy joe swaps out regular ground beef for leaner beef. It also places a higher focus on vegetables and other low-calorie ingredients.

What's the difference between Manwich and Sloppy Joe mix? ›

Sloppy Joes are the sandwich, while Manwich is the store-bought canned sloppy joe sauce, produced by ConAgra Foods and Hunt's.

What can I use to thicken sloppy joes? ›

Potato flakes may come out a little grainy. However mashed potatoes could be used for better texture. Use oats to thicken sloppy-joes as to absorb the excess but it will be thicker the next day. Barley can be used but is more expensive.

What is a substitute for tomato paste in sloppy joes? ›

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

Do you drain Sloppy Joe meat? ›

Cook beef in large skillet over medium-high heat 7 minutes or until crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally; drain. Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce; heat through.

Does Sloppy Joe seasoning mix go bad? ›

Unopened McCormick Culinary® Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix packages are shelf stable and can be held for use for up to 720 days.

Can you eat Sloppy Joe left out overnight? ›

If you reheat food that was forgotten on the counter overnight or was left out all day, will it be safe to eat? TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal.

What is the best bun for sloppy joes? ›

Worcestershire Sauce and Hot Pepper Sauce: These condiments add umami and a heat, deepening the flavor of the dish. Hamburger or Brioche Buns: The vehicle for the Sloppy Joe mixture, offering a soft and slightly sweet contrast to the flavorful beef filling.

What to add to sloppy joe mix? ›

15 Ways To Upgrade Canned Sloppy Joe Sauce
  1. Salsa brings a spicy twist. ...
  2. Try gochujang for Korean-inspired Sloppy Joes. ...
  3. Experiment with Worcestershire sauce. ...
  4. Red pepper flakes bring the heat. ...
  5. Miso provides the umami your Sloppy Joe sauce is missing. ...
  6. Liquid smoke enhances the meat's flavor.
Feb 19, 2024

What goes well with sloppy joes? ›

What to serve with Sloppy Joes (24 simple ideas)
  • Herb & Garlic Cheesy Mashed Potatoes.
  • Sweet Corn Salad.
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad.
  • Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad.
  • Hassleback Potatoes.
  • Potato Salad.
  • Mac and Cheese.
  • Coleslaw.
Apr 22, 2023

What toppings go on sloppy joes? ›

Toppings (optional): Dill pickle slices, coleslaw, American or Cheddar cheese slices.

What exactly is a sloppy joe? ›

Notorious for being 'messy' to eat, a sloppy joe is a sandwich filled with a saucy meat mixture (typically using Ground Beef) with a sweet, tangy or spicy flavor profile, with seasonings and vegetables tucked in. It's fun to eat and is a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike!

How was sloppy joe made? ›

Some attribute the original Sloppy Joe to a cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, where, many years ago, in 1930 a cook named Joe added tomato sauce to his “loose meat” sandwiches. Voila: a new between-the-bread offering, and the sandwich's official name.

What are the ingredients in Del Monte Sloppy Joe sauce? ›

Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Green and Red Bell Peppers, Salt, Modified Food Starch (Corn), Worcestershire Sauce Concentrate (Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Garlic Powder, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor), Spices, Dehydrated Onions, Garlic Powder, ...

What are the ingredients in Hunt's sloppy joes? ›

'TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, DISTILLED VINEGAR, CORN SYRUP, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, SUGAR, CARROT FIBER, DRIED GREEN AND RED BELL PEPPERS, CHILI PEPPER, GUAR GUM, SPICES, XANTHAN GUM, DRIED GARLIC, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID.

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