
Let me introduce you to your new favorite Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe. This tried-and-true recipe skips the canned sauce and ketchup, opting instead for basic pantry staples to create a scrumptious homemade take on the classic childhood favorite.
Here on the Simply Scratch Made website, I love sharing homemade versions of recipes we are all familiar with. Eating meals made from scratch isn't just healthier, but it's also cost-effective as it focuses on utilizing pantry staples instead of purchasing single-use ingredients.
This Sloppy Joes recipe utilizes common pantry staples and a variety of spices you probably already have. You can whip up these delicious sandwiches in just 45 minutes. Demonstrating that cooking from scratch can be both quick and easy.

- u003cstrongu003eGround Beefu003c/strongu003e
- u003cstrongu003ePeppersu003c/strongu003e - This recipe uses u003cstrongu003egreen bell peppersu003c/strongu003e for flavor.
- u003cstrongu003eOnionsu003c/strongu003e - White or yellow u003cstrongu003eonionsu003c/strongu003e can be used.
- u003cstrongu003eGarlicu003c/strongu003e - Freshly minced u003cstrongu003egarlic cloves u003c/strongu003efor flavor. If you do not have garlic cloves you can substitute them with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- u003cstrongu003eTomato Sauceu003c/strongu003e - The base of the sloppy joes sauce isu003cstrongu003e tomato sauceu003c/strongu003e.
- u003cstrongu003eMustardu003c/strongu003e
- u003cstrongu003eBeef Stocku003c/strongu003e - Also to build the sauce. Beef broth can also be used.
- u003cstrongu003eSugaru003c/strongu003e - A little u003cstrongu003ebrown sugaru003c/strongu003e to add flavor. Regular granulated sugar can be substituted if needed. Or you can opt to omit the sugar all together.
- u003cstrongu003eWorcestershire Sauceu003c/strongu003e
- u003cstrongu003eSeasonings/Spicesu003c/strongu003e - This recipe uses a blend of chili powder, paprika (smoked paprika if you have it), cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
Homemade Sloppy Joes are perfect for preparing ahead of time and are freezer-friendly. You can prepare the filling up to five days in advance, ensuring a quick and effortless dinner on busy weeknights. If you're a fan of stocking your freezer, consider making a large batch of this Sloppy Joes recipe to freeze for future meals.
STEP 1
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Halfway through the browning, add the bell peppers and onions. Keep cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and drain the excess fat.
STEP 2
Return the meat to the skillet over medium heat and add in the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
STEP 3
Serve on toasted buns. Enjoy!
Classics like potato chips and fries are commonly seen served alongside sloppy joes. Some other options include salads, veggies like corn or green beans and potato wedges.

Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube to stay connected!
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review below, I would love to hear how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup green bell pepper small diced
- ½ cup onion small diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ cup beef stock
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt *see notes
- as needed pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat begin browning the ground beef. Halfway through the browning, add the bell peppers and onions. Keep cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and drain the excess fat.
- Return the meat to the skillet over medium heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns. Enjoy!
Comments
No Comments