The Best Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
28 mins
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Total Time
38 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
The Best Sloppy Joes
Description
This recipe starts by cooking onions and ground meat together until the meat is fully browned and the onions soften, with excess grease drained for a less oily base. Tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor, while barbecue sauce and ketchup contribute sweetness and tang. Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce provide depth and umami, with the soy sauce choice impacting saltiness.
Once combined, the mixture simmers for several minutes to thicken slightly and meld flavors, seasoned further with black pepper and salt to taste. The hearty, saucy meat filling is spooned onto buns or rolls for serving.
Widely known as a comfort food sandwich, sloppy joes offer an easy way to enjoy well-seasoned ground meat with a balance of savory and sweet notes. They make a practical meal for casual dinners or gatherings.
This recipe can be adjusted in scale for smaller servings. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control saltiness; otherwise, reduce the soy sauce amount if using standard soy sauce. The prepared meat mixture freezes well, and leftovers reheat conveniently. Store-bought barbecue sauce choices affect flavor; some preferred brands maintain balance without overpowering the dish.
Ingredients
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce I use low-sodium
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- rolls for serving
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet set over medium heat, add the onions and beef (or ground turkey). Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato paste, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, and soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer ,and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste, if needed.
- Serve the sloppy joe meat warm on buns or rolls.
Notes
- This recipe can be halved easily for smaller portions.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness; if using regular soy sauce, reduce quantity to 2 tablespoons.
- Sweet Baby Ray's or Kinders barbecue sauces are preferred storebought options for balanced flavor.
- The sloppy joe meat mixture freezes well and can be made ahead, refrigerated, and reheated.
- Nutrition information does not include the sandwich bun or roll.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 349kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 798mg | 33% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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