Classic Sloppy Joes

Name: Classic Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 0.33333334326744 cup chopped green pepper; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1.5 cups Heinz Tomato Ketchup; 1 tablespoon Heinz Worcestershire Sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon pepper; 8 sandwich buns

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
cup chopped green pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cups Heinz Tomato Ketchup
1 tablespoon Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
teaspoon salt
teaspoon pepper
8 sandwich buns

Directions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the pan. Saut for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Mix in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Serve the mixture on sandwich buns and enjoy!

Twists:

Twist 1: Add toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, grated cheese, sour cream, or ranch dressing for a burger-style twist.
Twist 2: Swap out the beef for lean ground chicken or pork for a different meat variation.
Twist 3: Stir in 1 cup of shredded carrot and chopped mushrooms for a veggie boost.
Twist 4: Use whole-wheat pitas or rolls instead of sandwich buns for a high-fiber alternative.
Twist 5: For a chunkier Joe, use Heinz Chili Sauce, Chunky with Sweet Peppers instead of ketchup.
Twist 6: For a smoky flavor, swap ketchup for one of Heinz BBQ Sauces.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
336	11g	46g	16g

Additional Nutritional Information:

Total Fat: 11g (14% DV)
Saturated Fat: 4g (18% DV)
Cholesterol: 40mg (13% DV)
Sodium: 1088mg (47% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 46g (17% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 16g (31% DV)
Vitamin C: 6mg (6% DV)
Calcium: 70mg (5% DV)
Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
Potassium: 226mg (5% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. Consult with a registered dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

Classic Sloppy Joes are a staple of American comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tangy ketchup, and a few other key ingredients, all served on a soft sandwich bun. This hearty dish is quick to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and casual family meals. But where did Sloppy Joes come from? And how do regional variations affect this dish?

Origin of Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. There are several theories regarding the dish's origin, but the most popular one ties its creation to a cook named Joe, who worked at a cafe in Sioux City, Iowa. The dish was said to have been named after him, as he created a version of a loose meat sandwich with seasoned ground beef. Over time, the sandwich became known as the "Sloppy Joe," named for its messy, saucy filling that often drips out as it's eaten.

Regional Variations of Sloppy Joes

While the classic Sloppy Joe is recognized across the United States, different regions have put their own spin on it. For example, in the Midwest, you might find Sloppy Joes served with a bit of mustard or with chili powder added for extra spice. In the Southern U.S., it's common to use barbecue sauce in place of ketchup, giving the sandwich a smoky flavor. Some variations also include green peppers, onions, and even shredded cheese as additional toppings.

How Sloppy Joes Differ from Similar Dishes

Sloppy Joes are often compared to other meat sandwiches like the loose meat sandwich or the sloppy roast beef sandwich. The primary difference is that Sloppy Joes typically have a saucy base, made from ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar, which adds sweetness and tang. In contrast, loose meat sandwiches are simply seasoned meat, without a heavy sauce. Sloppy Joes are also generally served on soft sandwich buns, unlike some other meat sandwiches that might be served on sturdier rolls.

Where to Serve Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are typically served as a casual lunch or dinner, often enjoyed at family gatherings, picnics, or as a fun weeknight meal. In some places, theyre a popular choice for school cafeterias and community events due to their affordability and ease of preparation. You can find Sloppy Joes at diners and casual American restaurants, but theyre also often made at home, especially for comfort food lovers looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Interesting Facts About Sloppy Joes

The Sloppy Joe was popularized in the 1940s, thanks in part to its inclusion on many school lunch menus.
Some believe that Sloppy Joes were named after Joe, the cook in Sioux City, Iowa, while others believe the name refers to the "sloppy" way the sandwich is eaten.
There are many variations of Sloppy Joes, including vegetarian versions made with lentils or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Sloppy Joes are sometimes called "Manwich" in reference to the popular canned sauce product, which was first introduced in the 1960s.

Whether you're a fan of the classic version or enjoy experimenting with regional twists, Sloppy Joes remain a beloved American dish that continues to be a hit across the country. This dish embodies the spirit of comfort food: quick, satisfying, and undeniably delicious!

FAQ about Classic Sloppy Joes

Leftover Sloppy Joes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Yes, you can freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

To make Sloppy Joes spicier, you can add chili powder, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian version, you can use lentils, tempeh, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.

You can use any type of ketchup, but keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly depending on the brand. Some ketchups are sweeter or tangier, which could affect the final taste.

Yes, if you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a little bit of BBQ sauce for a different flavor.

Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer. For a healthier option, try whole wheat buns or even a pita. For a low-carb version, use lettuce leaves as wraps.

The mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. You can simmer it longer if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

Sloppy Joes are great with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato chips, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with pickles or a side of fries.

Comments

TxCin2

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was a good basic recipe. Very tomatoey and ketchupy though. As it is, it is alright, but not one of my favorites. I thought it was way too oniony so I ended up picking about half of them back out.

Tyler Webster

06/23/2017 02:47:45 AM

I used a medium/large white onion, a whole green and red pepper, no Worcestershire sauce and I added ketchup and mustard as I saw fit (maybe 2 Tbsp mustard and a little bit more ketchup than the recipe calls, I like my sloppy joes extra sloppy) then I added 1/2 cup water so that I could let it simmer longer. Also, I didn't have brown sugar on hand so I added a bit of lime juice instead for sweetness. A large variation I know, but it turned out amazing!

Ramma

07/30/2014 05:49:17 AM

I actually made a vegetarian version using Tempeh. I only used 3/4 cup ketchup, used yellow pepper and added a bit of chili powder - making it again tonight!

RubyBread8728

05/08/2025 01:04:08 AM

This is a good recipe but there’s too much brown sugar, as the ketchup has plenty already added. I’ll try it next time without any brown sugar and taste test it first, then adjust accordingly to our taste—acouple teaspoons might be enough.

Stephanie S

06/28/2014 11:35:00 AM

I have made this recipe twice, once with the green peppers and once without. It's better with the peppers. They cook very nicely with ground beef, so you don't get an overpowering pepper taste. I add the salt and pepper to the ground beef while it's cooking to enhance the flavor of the meat. Some reviewers said it tasted too ketchupy. The longer you let it simmer, the more the ketchup will cook. I added about 20 minutes cooking time. I think it will be a good base recipe to customize, but I do like it just the way it is, and so do my teenage boys, one of whom is a very picky eater.

shelly

01/02/2014 07:24:40 AM

I made this last night, my family loved it. I tweaked it a little by adding green onions (because I had some in the fridge), a little more pepper than called for and instead of a cup and a half of ketchup I used a cup and a quarter and a quarter cup of barbeque sauce. Will definitely be making this again.

Connie Stephens

04/25/2016 11:27:44 PM

I added chopped garlic and a tablespoon of mustard for tanginess. It was really good. I don't make Sloppy Joes often as my husband doesn't like them. When I have enough ground beef, I make him a hamburger and the rest of the family enjoys this.

Mojra

01/07/2013 02:36:34 AM

I added a tablespoon of regular ol' yellow mustard fir a bit more zing-- this is a family favorite!

Julie Moore

06/23/2024 07:15:07 PM

So fresh and satisfying.

GrlGarr

03/01/2024 12:00:19 AM

Waaaay too much ketchup. :(

BetterCook

07/16/2023 01:37:49 PM

This recipe has TOO much ketchup! Now I see why. It had been submitted from Heinz. We were looking for a better sandwich. This recipe ended up morphing into a chili.

5kMommy

06/06/2022 09:52:42 PM

too sweet

John Rodrigue

05/10/2022 04:20:19 PM

Great recipe and very simple. I substitute sweet pickle relish for the brown sugar. Just the way I like it!

Heather 'n Jorja Rollins

04/28/2022 12:22:31 AM

A little to much ketchup, but was still decent.

Cathy Overstreet

01/29/2022 02:51:20 AM

a bit sweet,however, they ate it all

Lee Tucker

12/31/2021 01:01:56 AM

My favorite recipe for Sloppy Joes,.

luhagirl

04/29/2021 11:35:31 AM

Made it just like the directions say and very happy with the results!!!! MMMM good!!

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