If you’re craving a classic Sloppy Joes Recipe that tastes like childhood, weeknight comfort, and pure nostalgia all in one bite, you’re in the right place. This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is made with simple pantry staples, comes together fast, and skips canned sauces entirely for a homemade sloppy joe sauce with ketchup that’s rich, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you grew up eating sloppy joes at family dinners or you’re making them for the first time, this version is easy, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or when you just want a no-fuss homemade dinner that everyone actually eats.
Table of Contents
What Is a Sloppy Joes Recipe?
A Sloppy Joes Recipe is a classic American comfort food made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a sweet-and-savory tomato-based sauce, then piled onto a soft hamburger bun. The name says it all — it’s messy, hearty, and meant to be enjoyed without overthinking.
Unlike canned versions, homemade sloppy joes have:
- Better texture
- Balanced sweetness
- Deeper savory flavor
- No preservatives
This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe sticks to tradition while using ingredients most people already have at home.
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple and affordable.
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Sugar
- Salt & black pepper
- Hamburger buns
These ingredients are exactly why homemade sloppy joes with ketchup have stood the test of time — they work.
Sloppy Joe Recipe With Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce
One of the most searched versions is a sloppy joe recipe with ketchup, and for good reason. Ketchup provides sweetness, acidity, and body, while Worcestershire sauce adds that deep, savory umami flavor.
Why This Combo Works
- Ketchup = sweet + tangy base
- Worcestershire sauce = rich depth
- Mustard = brightness
- Sugar = balance
This creates the perfect homemade sloppy joe sauce without tomato sauce or paste.
How to Make Sloppy Joes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat oil in a skillet and cook diced onion and green pepper until soft.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown thoroughly. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Simmer until thick and flavorful.
Step 4: Serve
Spoon generously onto toasted buns and enjoy immediately.
Sloppy Joes Recipe (Old Fashioned & Homemade)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- salt & black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns toasted, for serving
Method
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Want to turn this Sloppy Joes Recipe into an even easier weeknight dinner? Try my Sloppy Joe Casserole next—it’s the same cozy flavor, baked and super simple.
Is Sloppy Joes Recipe Healthy?
Calories and Nutrition Facts
A sloppy joes recipe can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Protein Content
- Ground beef provides high-quality protein
- Helps keep you full longer
Is It Weight Loss Friendly?
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Serve open-faced or on whole wheat buns
- Pair with veggies instead of fries
This makes sloppy joes a high-protein meal that can be adapted for healthier eating.
Sloppy Joe Recipe Variations
Sloppy Joe Recipe Ketchup Only
Skip mustard and Worcestershire for a sweeter, kid-friendly version.
Ground Beef Recipes Sloppy Joe (Extra Meaty)
Use 90/10 beef and simmer longer for thicker texture.
Sloppy Joes With Worcestershire Sauce (Bold Flavor)
Add an extra splash for deeper umami.
Sloppy Joe Homemade Spicy
Add chili powder or hot sauce.
What to Serve With Sloppy Joes
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Side salad
These sides turn homemade sloppy joes into a full dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joes
Storing
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
Reheating
- Stovetop: low heat, add splash of water
- Microwave: covered, stir halfway
Sloppy Joes Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but avoid ultra-lean or it may be dry.
Can I make sloppy joes ahead of time?
Absolutely — they taste even better the next day.
Is sloppy joe sauce sweet?
Balanced sweet and savory, not overly sweet.
Can I use different mustard?
Yellow mustard works best for classic flavor.
Can I freeze sloppy joes?
Yes, freeze the meat mixture only.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joes Recipe is everything a comfort meal should be: easy, affordable, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you loved this one, save it, pin it, and add it to your weekly dinner rotation.
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