The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
Remember those messy, saucy, and utterly delicious sloppy joes from childhood? It’s time to bring back that classic comfort food, but with a major flavor upgrade! Forget the canned stuff—this homemade sloppy joe recipe is a game-changer. It’s rich, savory, and has just the right amount of tang. The best part? The flavors get even more incredible the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. While a classic bun is always an option, I love serving this versatile mixture over roasted spaghetti squash for a healthier, low-carb twist or wrapped in crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing bite.
Ingredients
• 2 pounds / 907g ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 8 ounces / 227g tomato paste
• 1 cup / 240ml beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon / 15ml prepared yellow mustard
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
• Roasted spaghetti squash or lettuce wraps, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green pepper, and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the tomato paste until it coats the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth, then add the brown sugar substitute, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the sloppy joe mixture warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It’s delicious on buns, over roasted spaghetti squash, or in lettuce wraps.
Nutritional Information
• Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g (Note: is an estimate and may vary based on used.)
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Sloppy Joes
• The flavor deepens overnight! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for an even tastier meal the next day.
• This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• Feel free to customize! Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or stir in a can of drained corn or black beans for extra texture and fiber.
• If your sauce is too thin for your liking, simply let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes until it reduces and reaches your desired consistency.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this sloppy joe recipe low-carb
A: For a delicious low-carb option, serve the sloppy joe mixture over roasted spaghetti squash or inside crisp lettuce wraps instead of using traditional buns.
Q: Can I make these sloppy joes ahead of time
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: How do I freeze leftover sloppy joes
A: To freeze, allow the mixture to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What if my sloppy joe sauce is too thin
A: If the sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.
